Production of β-cryptoxanthin at Different Artificial Light Spectra by Three Strains of Microalgae

Microalgae have significant potential for β-cryptoxanthin production. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of white (445, 544 nm), blue (465 nm), and red (660 nm) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on biomass accumulation, total carotenoid content, and β-cryptoxanthin production in three strains of microalgae: Scenedesmus obliquus, Coelastrum morus, and Chlorococcum sp. Biomass accumulation increased under blue and red LED cultivation, while red LED significantly enhanced carotenoid and β-cryptoxanthin accumulation. β-Cryptoxanthin content in S. obliquus, C. morus, and Chlorococcum sp. cultivated under red LED was 171.92 ± 10.42, 217.35 ± 9.17, and 256.27 ± 8.80 μg/g cell dry weight, respectively. These values represent a 29.43%–33.27% increase compared to cultivation under white and blue LEDs. The antioxidant activity of all microalgal extracts exceeded 85%. These findings highlight the potential of red LED lighting to enhance β-cryptoxanthin production in the investigated microalgae strains.