AUTHOR=Chen Fufeng , Qian Jun , He Yu , Leng Yunyue , Zhou Wenguang 

TITLE=Could Chlorella pyrenoidosa be exploited as an alternative nutrition source in aquaculture feed? A study on the nutritional values and anti-nutritional factors

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Nutrition

VOLUME=9

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.1069760

DOI=10.3389/fnut.2022.1069760

ISSN=2296-861X

ABSTRACT=<p>This work attempted to identify if microalgal biomass can be utilized as an alternative nutrition source in aquaculture feed by analyzing its nutritional value and the anti-nutritional factors (ANFs). The results showed that <italic>Chlorella pyrenoidosa</italic> contained high-value nutrients, including essential amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids. The protein content in <italic>C. pyrenoidosa</italic> reached 52.4%, suggesting that microalgal biomass can be a good protein source for aquatic animals. We also discovered that <italic>C. pyrenoidosa</italic> contained some ANFs, including saponin, phytic acid, and tannins, which may negatively impact fish productivity. The high-molecular-weight proteins in microalgae may not be effectively digested by aquatic animals. Therefore, based on the findings of this study, proper measures should be taken to pretreat microalgal biomass to improve the nutritional value of a microalgae-based fish diet.</p>