Summary

The BioSC SEED FUND project LEDCyans investigated the phototrophic cultivation and possibilities of online monitoring in microalgal processes in small scale. RAMOS and μRAMOS devices were adapted for online monitoring of phototrophic cultivations in high-throughput as well as indirect fluorescence-based temperature measurements. At the same time, various Synechocystis strains have been constructed and evaluated for production of the terpenoid squalene, which can be applied in skin care and is currently sourced from shark livers. The strain Synechocystis Δshc NS2::Prha sqs +3MEP was identified as the best squalene producer and used for investigation of the ideal cultivation conditions for growth and product formation. In this context, optima for light color and intensity as well as an improved medium composition were found. The cultivation with optimized conditions was subsequently transferred to the 1.5 L-scale.