METHODS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF DIATOM BIOMASS

The invention relates to methods of producing a diatom biomass. More particularly， the invention relates to methods to produce a diatom biomass using a continuous culture to produce a volumetric production rate of biomass of at least 20g dry weight/L/day， wherein the culture medium is designed to provide the essential nutrients to maintain the diatom in log phase growth. In a preferred embodiment the biomass comprises highly unsaturated fatty acid. The invention relates to methods of producing a diatom biomass. More particularly， the invention relates to methods to produce a diatom biomass using a continuous culture to produce a volumetric production rate of biomass of at least 20g dry weight/L/day， wherein the culture medium is designed to provide the essential nutrients to maintain the diatom in log phase growth. In a preferred embodiment the biomass comprises highly unsaturated fatty acid.