Isolation and characterisation of halo-tolerant Dunaliella strains from Lake Grassmere/Kapara Te Hau, New Zealand

摘要

Strains of the chlorophyte genus Dunaliella were isolated from Dominion Salt NZ Ltd evaporation ponds at Lake Grassmere/Kapara Te Hau, New Zealand. Five halo-tolerant groups were characterised using morphology, molecular phylogenetic analysis and physiological response to varying culture conditions. Species identification based on morphological characteristics of cell size, shape and flagella to cell length ratio was supported by molecular internal transcribed spacer one and two regions (ITS-1, ITS-2) and 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene sequences. Investigations into salinity and photostress response were performed using pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) fluorometry, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) quantification of pigment profiles with an emphasis on carotenoid production are presented. Cryo-preservation storage was successfully applied to all strains.