Production of biofuel from algae is dependent on the microalgal biomass production rate and lipid content. Both biomass production and lipid accumulation are limited by several factors, of which nutrients play a key role. In this research, the marine microalgae Dunaliella tertiolecta was used as a model organism and a profile of its nutritional requirements was determined. Inorganic phosphate PO(4)(3-) and trace elements: cobalt (Co(2+)), iron (Fe(3+)), molybdenum (Mo(2+)) and manganese (Mn(2+)) were identified as required for algae optimum growth. Inorganic nitrogen in the form of nitrate NO(3)(-) instead of ammonium (NH(4)(+)) was required for maximal biomass production. Lipids accumulated under nitrogen starvation growth condition and this was time-dependent. Results of this research can be applied to maximize production of microalgal lipids in optimally designed photobioreactors. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.