Table 2 Comparison of process performance indicators using reference and optimized media. Error bars represent min/max from biological replicates (n = 2)

Exponential growth rate (d⁻¹)

1.49 ± 0.06

1.45 ± 0.1

Time to nitrate depletion (h)

84

52

Delay from nitrate depletion to onset of lipid synthesis [h]

36

20

Biomass-specific lipid accumulation rate [% (w w⁻¹) d⁻¹]

4.87 ± 0.53

6.43 ± 0.17

Cell dry weight at harvest (g L⁻¹)

4.95 ± 0.06

4.93 ± 0.01

Neutral lipid content at harvest [% (w w⁻¹)]

10.55 ± 0.35

23.9 ± 1.2

Volumetric productivity (mg L⁻¹ d⁻¹)

74 ± 1

169 ± 7