Growth studies of a New Species of Xanthophyta: The Significance of Renewable Source of an Essential Lipid

View/Download File

Persistent link to this item

Statistics
View Statistics

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Title

Growth studies of a New Species of Xanthophyta: The Significance of Renewable Source of an Essential Lipid

Published Date

2012-04-18

Publisher

Type

Presentation

Abstract

Production of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from a new species of Xanthophyceae, Heterococcus coloradii nelson, was discovered among snow fields in the Rocky Mountains and may have beneficial health products without the serious environmental costs of fishing or the negative consequences of fish farming. Algae, which can be produced easily in large quantities with limited environmental cost, can provide this new source of essential nutrients. Growing algae may provide a much more cost effective and simpler production means of producing lipids. Furthermore, the maintenance of adequate levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is poorly made in the human body from α-linolenic acid, is an important concern for human health. The metabolite of EPA, DHA, has been implicated in promoting healthy development of newborns, reduces the risk of heart disease, and decreases inflammatory factors.

Description

Faculty mentors: David Nelson and Dr. Paul A Lefebvre

Related to

Replaces

License

Series/Report Number

Funding information

This research was supported by the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP).

Isbn identifier

Doi identifier

Previously Published Citation

Suggested citation


Content distributed via the University Digital Conservancy may be subject to additional license and use restrictions applied by the depositor. By using these files, users agree to the Terms of Use. Materials in the UDC may contain content that is disturbing and/or harmful. For more information, please see our statement on harmful content in digital repositories.