SELECTION OF Dunaliella salina AND LIGHT STRESS CONDITIONS FOR CAROTENE, PHENOLICS AND ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY

Beta-carotene is a terpenoid pigment, a precursor of vitamin A and an antioxidant. Dunaliella salina are well-known microalgae accumulating high levels of β-carotene under stress conditions such as high light, high salinity. This study aims to select a Dunaliella salina and appropriate light stress conditions for carotene production, phenolics and antioxidant capacity. The obtained data revealed that D. salina CCAP 19/18 is a more promising candidate for carotene production. It is also suggested that high light can be applied for carotene induction in close cluture system, and high salinity should be used as an additional stressor in open cultures.