Stable Isotope Labeling of Algal Biomass Carbohydrates

McConnell, B.O.; Antoniewicz, M.R.

Given the growing interest in algal biomass in biological and biofuel applications, Antoniewicz M et al. developed a new analytical method to more conveniently quantify carbohydrates in C. vulgaris. The method involved two-step HCl hydrolysis, chemical derivatization of monomer sugars by aldonitrile propionate, and GC-MS analysis. The use of ¹³C-labeled carbohydrates (e.g., glucose) enabled their composition and metabolic flux to be determined in C. vulgaris media grown autotrophically and heterotrophically.