Production of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (20:5 n-3) by <i>Vibrio pelagius</i> Isolated from Turbot ( <i>Scophthalmus maximus</i> (L.)) Larvae

Abstract

Fourteen bacterial strains isolated from turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L.), larvae were screened for eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 n-3) (EPA) production. Gas chromatography analysis revealed that one bacterial species, Vibrio pelagius, contained a high proportion of EPA in cellular lipid. This finding was confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. A higher concentration of EPA was detected when the bacterium was cultured at 4 degrees C.