Quantitative Prediction of Spirulina platensis Biomass Using UV-Vis Spectrophotometry
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55981/limnotek.2026.14459Keywords:
Spirulina platensis, Spectrophotometer, Optical DensityAbstract
Spirulina platensis has become a promising feedstock for the synthesis of several industrially important biomolecules, including proteins, lipids, and carotenoids. However, significant technological obstacles pertaining to optimization, growth monitoring, and biomolecule extraction in Spirulina remain despite advancements in industrial-scale microalgae production and biomolecule harvesting. Standard techniques used for microalgal biomass and biomolecules monitoring include FTIR spectroscopy, colorimetric techniques, and manual cell counting. However, these techniques have drawbacks, particularly processing time and handling errors. This paper seeks to establish an operational equation that effectively relates measured absorbance (or optical density, OD) to the dry weight of Spirulina platensis microalgae using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The wavelengths of 680, 750, and 565 nm were selected based on the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll-a, as well as the wavelengths at which absorbance does not reach its peak. The best results were obtained at a wavelength of 680 nm with the equation y = 1.2759x + 0.1512, with an R² value of 0.9914. This technique allows for more accurate measurement of Spirulina platensis dry weight and total biomass.
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