Microbial lipids from renewable resources: production and characterization

Abstract

A number of microorganisms belonging to the genera of algae, yeast, bacteria, and fungi have ability to accumulate neutral lipids under specific cultivation conditions. The microbial lipids contain high fractions of polyunsaturated fatty acids and have the potential to serve as a source of significant quantities of transportation fuels. This paper reviews the current state of the art of this field. It summarizes the various microorganism used, feed stocks available, environmental factors that influence growth of cells and accumulation of lipids, major fatty acid composition of lipids, and the technology.

Microalgae: An emerging source of energy based bio-products and a solution for environmental issues

“…Certain microalgae usually achieve high lipid content under stress conditions such as limit of nitrogen [20], phosphorous [21], iron [22], salinity [23], silicon [19], effect of light [24], and effect of temperature [25]. Under these stress conditions, they can store up to 72% of their weight as lipids that transesterified to produce biodiesel, which can be sold for use in automobiles [26]. For instance, Scenedesmus species (sp.)…”

Recent developments in microbial oils production: a possible alternative to vegetable oils for biodiesel without competition with human food?

“…Therefore biodiesel production using microbial oils could represent an alternative to produce biooils for biodiesel production. Progresses of research in this field show that the synthesis of lipids in these organisms is now known and controlled, a large number of strains have been described and selected for their great ability to produce lipids and the methods of assay and extraction of these molecules are now established (Subramanian et al 2010).…”

Screening of lipid high producing mutant from rhodotorula glutinis by low ion implantation and study on optimization of fermentation medium

“…Usually, the fatty acid composition of microbial lipid is similar to that of plant oils [4]. In addition, microbial lipids contain high fractions of polyunsaturated fatty acids and have the potential to serve as a source of significant quantities of transportation fuels [5]. Also, microbial lipid have many advantages, such as short life cycle, less labor required, less affection by venue, season and climate [6].…”