Electric Stimulation of Astaxanthin Biosynthesis in Haematococcus pluvialis

The green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis accumulates astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant pigment, as defense mechanism against environmental stresses. In this study, we investigated the technical feasibility of stress-based method for inducing astaxanthin biosynthesis in H. using electric stimulation two-chamber bioelectrochemical system. When cathodic (reduction) current 3 mA (voltage: 2 V) was applied to cells two days, considerable lysis and breakage algal were observed, possibly owing formation excess reactive oxygen species at cathode. Conversely, absence cell breakage, application anodic (oxidation) effectively stimulated voltage range 2–6 V, whereas same could not be induced untreated control. At an optimal 4 V (anodic current: 30 mA), content electro-treated h 36.9% higher than that cells. Our findings suggest treatment can used improve production culture if parameters, such strength duration, are regulated properly.