To maximize astaxanthin (3,3'-dihydroxy-$betabeta$'carotene-44'-dione) production by high density Haematococcus pluvialis cultures, various, media were examined Among tested media, `Hong Kong Medium and Modified Bolds Basal Medium showed the best result for cell growth ( $2.0$ imes$10^{ 6}$cells /mL) and for astaxanthin content per cell (9.7 mg astaxanthin mg/g cell), respectively, Maximum astasanthin concentration of 6.1mL was obtained at pH 7.5, $20^{circ}C$~$25^{circ}C$ Deficiencies of nitrogen source($NaNO_3$ and proteose-peptone) found to simulate astaxanthin formation Relatively low light inten- sity of $60mu$E ($m^2$s) was sutiable for vegetative cell growth while higher light intensity was required for higher astaxanthin accumulation.
Keywords: Haematococcus pluvialis, astaxanthin production, nitrogen deficiency, light intensity