Growth responses of Chlorella vulgaris exposed to different light intensities and wavelengths of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were investigated. C. vulgaris was cultured under red LED (650 nm), blue LED (450 nm), green LED (520 nm), and fluorescent la...
Growth responses of Chlorella vulgaris exposed to different light intensities and wavelengths of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were investigated. C. vulgaris was cultured under red LED (650 nm), blue LED (450 nm), green LED (520 nm), and fluorescent lamps (three wavelengths, control). The maximum growth rates (μ<sub>max</sub>) of C. vulgaris were highest under the blue LED, followed by the red LED, green LED, and fluorescent lamps. The low compensation photon flux density (I<sub>0</sub>) and low half-saturation constants (K<sub>s</sub>) were observed in C. vulgaris cultured under the red LED, indicating that high C. vulgaris growth is closely related to the low light intensity of the red LED suggesting that the red LED can be useful for the biomass production of C. vulgaris. Furthermore, it was observed that under the blue LED during the stationary phase, there was an increase in useful bioactive substances, such as proteins and lipids, which are beneficial for biomass production. In conclusion, the red LED is an economical light source that can enhance cell density, and the blue LED is effective in promoting valuable intracellular substances.