Enrichment on polyunsaturated fatty acids by Rhodomonas salina (Cryptophyta) following ethyl methane sulphonate induced random mutagenesis

ABSTRACT | A protocol through mutagenesis with ethyl methane sulphonate and selection with herbicide Quizalofop was developed for Rhodomonas salina. Mutants showing resistance to Quizalofop had enriched lipid and PUFAs content. Two mutants were obtained with a significantly increased capacity for lipids (50-60% higher than WT) and PUFAs (50% higher that WT) accumulations, demonstrating the feasibility of genetically improving a species that doesn´t form discrete colonies in solid medium.

RESUMEN | Se desarrolló un protocolo de mutagénesis con etil metanosulfonato para Rhodomonas salina. Los mutantes enriquecidos en contenido de lípidos y ácidos grasos poliinsaturados (PUFAs) se seleccionaron por su resistencia al herbicida Quizalofop. Se obtuvieron dos mutantes con una capacidad significativamente mayor de lípidos (50-60% más altos que WT) y acumulaciones de PUFA (50% más altos que WT) que demuestran la viabilidad de mejorar genéticamente una especie que no forma colonias discretas en medio sólido.