Valorizing Sugar Industry Byproduct Through Microalga for Pigment Production

Abstract

Currently, consumers are seeking ways to obtain natural food colorants, and food supplements. Microalgal food colorants and supplements have become established in the food industry due to their ability to generate substantial biomass rich in polysaccharides, pigments, lipids, vitamins, and other bioactive compounds. However, the high costs associated with microalgal cultivation have gained interest in more economical alternatives. This study investigated the potential of using vinasse, a byproduct of the sugar industry, as a nutrient source to produce biomass, chlorophyll, and carotenoids with Parachlorella kessleri SAG211-11 h. The effects of culture conditions (vinasse concentration, light intensity and light/dark cycle) on chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b), and carotenoid content were investigated using Response Surface Methodology. The results showed that light intensity and light/dark cycle had a significant effect, especially on Chl a content (p < 0.05). Light intensity also showed a significant effect on Chl b and carotenoid content (p < 0.05). Response optimization was conducted under conditions of 5% vinasse concentration, 110 µmol photons m-2s-1, and 16:8 light dark cycle, yielding a Chl a content of 10.89 ± 0.14 mg/L, Chl b content of 7.25 ± 1.12 and carotenoid content of 2.79 ± 0.94 mg/L. These results revealed that the chlorophyll content of P. kessleri cells can be enhanced under mixotrophic conditions by changing cultivation conditions with the usage of vinasse-based medium. Meanwhile, this research highlights vinasse as a sustainable carbon source for the cultivation of P. kessleri SAG211-11 h cells for chlorophyll and carotenoid production. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025.