Circadian rhythm promotes the biomass and amylose hyperaccumulation by mixotrophic cultivation of marine microalga Platymonas helgolandica

BACKGROUND: Microalgal starch can be exploited for bioenergy, food, and bioplastics. Production of starch by green algae has been concerned for many years. Currently commonly used methods such as nutrient stress will affect cell growth, thereby inhibiting the production efficiency and quality of starch production. Simpler and more efficient control strategies need to be developed. RESULT: We proposed a novel regulation method to promote the growth and starch accumulation by a newly isolated Chlorophyta Platymonas helgolandica. By adding exogenous glucose and controlling the appropriate circadian light and dark time, the highest dry weight accumulation 6.53 g L(−1) (Light:Dark = 12:12) can be achieved, and the highest starch concentration could reach 3.88 g L(−1) (Light:Dark = 6:18). The highest production rate was 0.40 g L(−1) d(−1) after 9 days of production. And this method helps to improve the ability to produce amylose, with the highest accumulation of 39.79% DW amylose. We also discussed the possible mechanism of this phenomenon through revealing changes in the mRNA levels of key genes. CONCLUSION: This study provides a new idea to regulate the production of amylose by green algae. For the first time, it is proposed to combine organic carbon source addition and circadian rhythm regulation to increase the starch production from marine green alga. A new starch-producing microalga has been isolated that can efficiently utilize organic matter and grow with or without photosynthesis. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13068-022-02174-2.