Biomass and lipid productivities of Isochrysis galbana were optimized using nutrients of molasses (4, 8, 12 g l(-1)), glucose (4, 8, 12 g l(-1)), glycerol (4, 8, 12 g l(-1)) and yeast extract (2 g l(-1)). Combinations of carbon sources at different ratios were evaluated in which the alga was grown at three different light intensities (50, 100 and 150 mu mol m(-2) s(-1)) under the influence of three different photoperiod cycles (12/12, 18/6 and 24/0 h light/dark). A maximum cell density of 8.35 g l(-1) with 32 % (w/w) lipid was achieved for mixotrophic growth at 100 mu mol m(-2) s(-1) and 18/6 h light/dark with molasses/glucose (20:80 w/w). Mixotrophic cultivation using molasses, glucose and glycerol was thus effective for the cultivation of I. galbana.