Xin Xin Chen

PhD Candidate

BS (Hons, Nano- and bio-materials, IWRI, UniSA)
BT (Aquaculture, the Flinders University of SA)
BE (Aquatic Product Processing Technology, Shanghai Fisheries University, China)

Location: Room A210 Engineering Annex
Email: xin.chen@adelaide.edu.au
Phone: + 61 8 8303 3093
FAX: + 61 8 8303 4373

Supervisors

Dr David Lewis - School of Chemical Engineering
Professor Keith King - School of Chemical Engineering
Mr Adam Butterworth - SA Oyster Hatchery
Professor Steven Chen - University of Hong Kong

Research Topic

Heterotrophically and mixotrophically grown microalgae as a feed source for the Australian aquaculture industry.

Research Abstract

Production of micro-algae is a first step to achieve success of fish hatchery production, and the cost of micro-algae is critical. Heterotrophic and mixotrophic growth of micro-algae could be cost-effective ways for production of micro-algae. The green alga Tetraselmis sucica is capable of growing under photoautotrophic, mixotrophic or heterotrophic conditions. The cells had low oxygen demands, and non self-inhibition presented. They could grow rapidly at a high density in a suitable medium, with very little foam production, and had a good shear-resistance, which allow the cells to withstand shear stress during down stream processing. Therefore it could be a good candidate for heterotrophic and mixotrophic growth in large-scale fermenters. The size of the cells is suitable for the spat, and the nutritional profile may satisfy the dietary requirements of Pacific oyster spat if their nutritional profiles are customised, and a mixed diet with other micro-algae species is formulated. However, some knowledge gaps need to be filled and technique barriers need to be overcome for a successful cultivation.

Interests

• Marine biotechnology;
• Aquafeed nutrition and technology;
• Seafood production technology and by-product utilization;
• Seafood quality assessment and management.

Recent Publications

• X. X. Chen, D.M. Lewis, K. D. King, "Heterotrophically grown centric diatom Cyclotella cryptica (Bacillariophyceae) for the spat of Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg)". J Applied Phycology (accepted).

Conference

• X. X. Chen, D.M. Lewis, K. D. King, "Comparison of Tetrtaselmis suecica growth under various nutritional modes in f/2 and f media". Poster presentation at IBS 2008