Production of high levels of DHA in microalgae using modified amounts of chloride and potassium

US7163811B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Martek Biosciences Corporation · US

Inventors

• Paul Warren Behrens · Ellicott City, US
• John M. Thompson · Baltimore, US
• Kirk E. Apt · Ellicott City, US
• Joseph W. Pfeifer, III · Westminster, US
• James P. Wynn · Okemos, US
• James Casey Lippmeier · Columbia, US
• Jaouad Fichtali · Lexington, US
• Jon Milton Hansen · Chula Vista, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 1, 2004
• Grant date: Jan 16, 2007
• Expiry date: Oct 1, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12P7/6472
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Methods for production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms, including the heterotrophic marine dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium, using low levels of chloride ion are disclosed. Specifically, methods of increasing production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms while growing in low chloride media by manipulating sodium ion and potassium ion levels. The invention also relates to methods of production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine organisms at low pH levels, and includes methods for generation of low pH tolerant strains.