Selection of strains of Prorocentrum micans (Ehrenberg 1834) from Peru based on their lipid potential

Lipids (fatty acids and pigments) are sought-after bioactive compounds, with dinoflagellates such as Prorocentrum micans standing out for containing a wide variety of these compounds, including the prominent docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The objective of the present study was to select and evaluate strains of P. micans isolated from Peru that have the highest lipid profile and greatest adaptability to the cultivation, in order to determine their lipid potential. Initially, the growth and lipid profile of two strains of P. micans (IMP-BG-062 and IMP-BG-116) were evaluated by cultivating them in three different culture media, f/2, f, and L1. Once the optimal culture medium was identified, the strains IMP-BG-036, IMP-BG-062, IMP-BG-116, IMP-BG-453, and IMP-BG-529 were evaluated in terms of growth kinetics and fatty acid profile. The study results showed that the combined culture medium (FL) was optimal for P. micans growth and fatty acid accumulation. Among the five strains evaluated, IMP-BG-036 from the north coast of Peru showed the best adaptation to culture conditions, achieving the highest cell density (1 × 10⁵ cells mL^− 1) and the highest content of DHA acid (63 mg g^− 1).