Recent developments of downstream processing for microbial lipids and conversion to biodiesel

Abstract

With increasing global population and depleting resources, there is an apparent demand for radical unprecedented innovation to satisfy the basal needs of lives. Hence, non-conventional renewable energy resources like biodiesel have been worked out in past few decades. Biofuel (e.g. Biodiesel) serves to be the most sustainable answer to solve "food vs. fuel crisis". In biorefinery process, lipid extraction from oleaginous microbial lipids is an integral part as it facilitates the release of fatty acids. Direct lipid extraction from wet cell-biomass is favorable in comparison to dry-cell biomass because it eliminates the application of expensive dehydration. However, this process is not commercialized yet, instead, it requires intensive research and development in order to establish robust approaches for lipid extraction that can be practically applied on an industrial scale. This review aims for the critical presentation on cell disruption, lipid recovery and purification to support extraction from wet cell-biomass for an efficient transesterification.

An Overview of Potential Oleaginous Microorganisms and Their Role in Biodiesel and Omega-3 Fatty Acid-Based Industries

“…The transesterification methods for SCOs can be separated into conventional and direct. In the first category (conventional method), the downstream process has separate steps (referred to in the previous paragraphs) [347]. In the second category (direct or in-situ transesterification), the multiple steps are eliminated, as, with most of the cases, the lipid extraction and transesterification are achieved in one step [347].…”

“…In the first category (conventional method), the downstream process has separate steps (referred to in the previous paragraphs) [347]. In the second category (direct or in-situ transesterification), the multiple steps are eliminated, as, with most of the cases, the lipid extraction and transesterification are achieved in one step [347]. In addition, depending on whether the catalysts occupy the same phase or not with the reaction mixture, transesterification can be characterized as homogenous or heterogeneous.…”

“…In addition, depending on whether the catalysts occupy the same phase or not with the reaction mixture, transesterification can be characterized as homogenous or heterogeneous. Finally, based on the type of catalyst, the process can be acid, alkali, or enzymatic [347]. The transesterification process can be homogenous acid or alkali, heterogeneous acid, alkali, or enzymatic.…”

Numerical Analysis of Nozzle Flow and Spray Characteristics from Different Nozzles Using Diesel and Biofuel Blends

“…There are several techniques that are used to produce biodiesel, such as preheating, blending, micro-emulsion, and trans-esterification. Currently, the trans-esterification is the most widely utilized method due to its capability to decrease the viscosity and change the triglycerides into glycerol and fatty acid methyl ester [7][8][9]. However, the trans-esterification method is very costly and is coupled with a complex process that requires specific instruments and equipment.…”

Sugarcane Distillery Spent Wash, a New Resource for Third-Generation Biodiesel Production

“…Indeed, they can accumulate large quantities of oil inside lipid bodies, with a composition of fatty acids similar to that of plant-based oil [12][13][14]. The advantages of microorganisms over other biological sources of lipids are their ability to metabolize complex mediums such as industrial wastes, and their rapid growth rate, which enables a reduction in production costs and pollution [13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. However, common industrial wastes used for microbiological production such as molasses are already extensively used.…”