Growth and metabolism regulation of cinnamic acid and its derivatives to Auxenochlorella pyrenoidosa

Auxenochlorella pyrenoidosa's industrial utility is closely associated with the concentration of high-value products. This study focuses on the effects of cinnamic acid (CA) and its derivatives, which known as secondary metabolites in higher plants and effective plant growth regulators, on the growth and metabolic profiles of A. pyrenoidosa. It was discovered that CA and its derivatives significantly enhance the biomass of A. pyrenoidosa under conditions of 10 mg/L over 48 h or 100 mg/L over 120 h. Cells treated with 10 mg/L CA exhibited lower oxidative stress and maintained robust metabolic activity. Metabolic pathways, including those for carbohydrates, lipids, small peptides, and cofactors, were stimulated, leading to the accumulation of a wide array of bio-products, notably high-value products such as alpha-linolenic acid, cis-4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide plus hydrogen (NADH), glutathione, and vitamins B2/B3. This study demonstrates that CA and its derivatives are good nutritional enhancers for cultivating A. pyrenoidosa, highlighting their potential for broad application in biotechnological industries.