LAUSR

Abstract Microalgae are a spring of valuable compounds finding its wide applicability as cosmo-nutraceuticals, a renewable substitute for bioenergy and bioremediation. The present study utilizes Scenedesmus sp. CCNM 1028, freshwater microalgae, to understand the influence of various microalgal growth media, like BG-11, Chu's 10, Bold's basal medium (BBM) and Zarrouk's media (ZM), on the growth and lutein production. Furthermore, two-stage nitrogen starvation studies were carried out using the selected BG-11 media and its effect on the lutein and biochemical parameters of Scenedesmus sp. CCNM 1028 after 0, 6, 9, 15 and 21 days (d) of nitrogen starvation were recorded. Lutein was accumulated till 6d of nitrogen starvation. Additionally, ~3-fold increase of carbohydrate content (%w/w) was observed after 21d of nitrogen starvation with respect to the control. Thus, this study proposes two-stage nitrogen starvation as a capable strategy to cultivate Scenedesmus sp. CCNM 1028 for lutein (6d) and carbohydrate production (21d).