Evaluation of orange pulping residues as an alternative growth medium for Thraustochytrium sp.

Abstract

In this study, the lipid content produced by Thraustochytrium sp. in a medium prepared from orange pulp residue was compared with that obtained in a conventional medium. The pulp residue was subjected to freezing, blending, and filtration in seawater to prepare three treatments: conventional medium (T1), filtrate (T2), and filtrate supplemented with KNO3 (T3). A growth curve was performed over six days, after which biomass and lipid content were analyzed. The results showed that T2 exhibited the highest cell growth and biomass yield (5.24 g/L). However, lipid content was higher in the conventional medium (38.75%), whereas the treatments containing orange extract showed lower values. These findings suggest that the medium prepared from orange pulp residue is feasible for the growth of Thraustochytrium sp., but requires optimization to enhance lipid accumulation and its potential use in sustainable bioprocesses.