Optimization of nutrient composition for enhanced microalgal biomass and macromolecules using RSM: An integrated approach towards improving microalgal biodiesel feasibility

Microalgal-based biodiesel has gained attention as a renewable energy source; however, it is commercially limited because of its high production cost. In this study, the growth medium for the green alga Tetradesmus obliquus was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) to maximize biomass and lipid accumulation for biodiesel production. Furthermore, valuable macromolecules like carbohydrates and protein were enhanced for value addition in the biorefinery approach, making biodiesel production more competitive. The predicted second-order quadratic model for response variables was found to be significant ( p