Statistical evaluation and modeling of cheap substrate-based cultivation medium of <i>Chlorella vulgaris</i> to enhance microalgae lipid as new potential feedstock for biolubricant

<p><i>Chlorella vulgaris</i> (<i>C. vulgaris</i>) microalga was investigated as a new potential feedstock for the production of biodegradable lubricant. In order to enhance microalgae lipid for biolubricant production, mixotrophic growth of <i>C. vulgaris</i> was optimized using statistical analysis of Plackett–Burman (P-B) and response surface methodology (RSM). A cheap substrate-based medium of molasses and corn steep liquor (CSL) was used instead of expensive mineral salts to reduce the total cost of microalgae production. The effects of molasses and CSL concentration (cheap substrates) and light intensity on the growth of microalgae and their lipid content were analyzed and modeled. Designed models by RSM showed good compatibility with a 95% confidence level when compared to the cultivation system. According to the models, optimal cultivation conditions were obtained with biomass productivity of 0.123 g L⁻¹ day⁻¹ and lipid dry weight of 0.64 g L⁻¹ as 35% of dry weight of <i>C. vulgaris</i>. The extracted microalgae lipid presented useful fatty acid for biolubricant production with viscosities of 42.00 cSt at 40°C and 8.500 cSt at 100°C, viscosity index of 185, flash point of 185°C, and pour point of −6°C. These properties showed that microalgae lipid could be used as potential feedstock for biolubricant production.