Growth phase significantly decreases the DHA-to-EPA ratio in marine microalgae

Microalgae are the principal producers of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in marine ecosystems. Algae are used in aquaculture systems as direct or indirect feed for zooplankton, filter-feeding mollusks and larval stages of crustaceans and fish. Therefore, it is necessary to select nutrient-rich strains, with high levels of EPA and/or DHA, preferably during the...