The investigation deals with the production and characterisation of β carotene using microalgae Chlorella vulgaris AS-3 strain isolated from fresh water lake. High light intensity and nutrient starvation results in synthesis of beta carotene through several interdependent stages. Chlorella vulgaris AS-3 was isolated and selected for higher yield of carotenoids and wide range of growth in phototrophic conditions (200 lux) in BG-11 medium supplemented with NPK (nitrogen, phosphours and potassium) for 14 days and the pigment production was facilitated by adding 1% NaCl. When the cell count reached at 500,000 cells/ml centrifuged and pigment was extracted with 80% acetone. The amount of dry weight was 4g/L of which 3-6% was β carotene, using optimised media. The biomass can be increased by supplementation of pure CO2. Both paper and TLC were conducted for separation of pigments. Isolated Pigments were then analysed by FTIR. IR spectrum resulted showed positive qualitative identification of β carotene and confirmations of its amines and aromatic compounds. Pilot scale investigations has to be carried out for the production and commercialisation of nutraceuticals and their supplements.
