The lipid content of microalgae is important for biodiesel production. In this study, we determined photosynthetic performance, biomass composition and lipid production of marine unicellular microalgae Chaetoceros muelleri (Bacillariophyceae) and Dunaliella sauna (Chlorophyceae) cultured under different nutrient deprivation conditions. The results showed the highest lipid content of C muelleri (46.32 +/- 3.53%) and D. sauna (54.15 +/- 2.71%) could be achieved by nitrogen and complete nutrient deprivation, respectively. Analysis of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) profile under those conditions revealed that the lipid accumulated by the two species was suitable to produce biodiesel. From these studies, we concluded that C muelleri and D. sauna would be highly suitable candidates for biodiesel production. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.