Simultaneous Production of Carotenoids and Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Microalgal Biomass as Aquaculture Feed

Proposed Research Project: Chromochloris zofingiensis is a microalgae capable of simultaneously producing two high-value compounds: astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant used in supplements and aquaculture feed, and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid important for human health. Sterilized chicken manure wastewater will be tested in these cultures as a phosphorus and nitrogen source.

Researcher: Dr. Yantao Li

Aim 1: Identify the ideal growing conditions for Chromochloris zofingiensis to produce the highest possible amounts of both astaxanthin and ALA simultaneously.
Aim 2: Determine whether growing Chromochloris zofingiensis alongside Haematococcus pluvialis or Scenedesmus obliquus increases the yield of astaxanthin or ALA beyond what Chromochloris zofingiensis can produce on its own.

Expected outcomes: 

We will develop a microalgal production system for co-production of carotenoids- and omega-3 fatty acids that fulfill nutrient needs of salmon feed, and work with Maryland aquaculture producers to test and validate this technology in the near future.

Best-case outcome: We achieve a microalgal biomass concentration over 2g/L with 0.5% astaxanthin and 0.3% ALA content.

Worst-case outcome: We achieve a microalgal biomass concentration over 1g/L with 0.25% astaxanthin and 0.15% ALA content.


Probable Ancillary Benefits: Through IMETs existing educational and industry outreach programs, this research will create hands-on training opportunities for undergraduate students, graduate students, and early-career scientists in both basic research and applied biotechnology. It will also support broader public engagement efforts to raise awareness of microalgal research and environmental issues, particularly those affecting Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay.

Results: For co-production of astaxanthin and ALA, we have reached the worst-case outcome of a microalgal biomass concentration over 1g/L with 0.25% astaxanthin and 0.15% ALA content. We are working towards our best-case scenario of a microalgal biomass concentration over 2g/L with 0.5% astaxanthin and 0.3% ALA content.

Additional funding sources: With the algae biomass production for aquaculture experiments being developed in my lab, we seek to collaborate with local aquaculture facilities and companies to expand our research in the aquaculture area.\

Awards 

  1. MIPS award with a Maryland oyster hatchery Ferry Cove Shellfish (FCS) Inc.: “Preserving microalgae for oyster production”, Feb. 1, 2026 to Jan. 1, 2027; and
  2. Foundation award from Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation: “Evaluation of short-term preservation of algal biomass to support large scale oyster production in Maryland.”

The algae growth platform developed in our IAI project helped us get these two awards.


Publications: *Ramarui K, *Wang J, Wikfors GH, Li Y (2026) Exploring the transition from
heterotrophy to high light stress using a proteomic and phosphoproteomic approach reveals
altered chlorophyll biosynthesis, carbon partitioning, and astaxanthin biosynthesis and
trafficking in a Haematococcus pluvialis (Chlorophyceae) mutant. Algal Research 94:104546.
doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2026.104546
 

* Li lab student and postdoctoral trainees