First Report and Characterization of Tetraselmis marina MP0060 Isolated from the Dokdo Islands, Korea: Morphological, Genetic, and Fatty Acid Characteristics

Green algae have potential applications in various industries, such as biofuels, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals, owing to their adaptability and bioactive compounds. However, the taxonomy and phylogenetic understanding of green algae are incomplete because of challenges in morphological differentiation and limited DNA sequencing. In this study, a unicellular green alga designated as Tetraselmis marina MP0060 was axenically isolated from seawater off the Dokdo Islands in Korea. The taxonomic, genetic, physiological, and biochemical properties of this strain were characterized, and its optimal growth conditions were explored. Comprehensive morphological and molecular analyses confirmed the taxonomic placement of the strain within T. marina. This strain showed robust growth across a wide temperature range (8–30°C) with optimal conditions at 21°C and 88 µmol m-2 s-1 photon flux density. It was rich in palmitic acid (41.84%) and nutritionally important ω-3 fatty acids, including α-linolenic acid (17.49%) and eicosapentaenoic acid (14.04%). This study is the first to report this species in Korea, and its findings suggest that the biomass of T. marina MP0060 can serve as a viable feedstock for biodiesel production and as a valuable source of ω-3 fatty acids. KCI Citation Count: 0