Detection and quantitation of lipid in the microalga Tetraselmis subcordiformis (Wille) Butcher with BODIPY 505/515 staining

BODIPY 505/515, a lipophilic bright green Fluorescent Dye was tested for lipid detection in the microalga Tetraselmis subcordiformis. A concentration of 0.28 μg ml(-1) and staining for 6 min was optimal. Lipid bodies stained with BODIPY505/515 had a characteristic green fluorescence. Their volumes were determined using the sphere volume formula. Lipid accumulation under different nitrogen concentrations was analyzed. With an increase in NaNO(3) concentration from 0 to 240 mg L(-1), the maximum algal concentration increased from 8.23 ± 0.62 (× 10(5) cells ml(-1)) to 1.61 ± 0.13 (×10(6) cells ml(-1)), while the maximum volume of intracellular neutral lipid decreased from 9.78 ± 1.77 μm(3) cell(-1) to 6.00 ± 0.59 μm(3) cell(-1). A comparison of the lipid contents measured by BODIPY 505/515 staining and the gravimetric method showed a positive correlation coefficient of R(2) = 0.93. BODIPY 505/515 staining is a promising method in lipid quantitation in T. subcordiformis.