Abstract
Among 30 fungal isolates screened for lipid production using Nile-red staining assay, an isolate designated DGB1 was recorded as the highest lipid producer with lipid content up to 40% (w/w). Based on morphological, biochemical and molecular analysis, DGB1 was identified as fungal sp. strain DGB1. Under the optimized time course, lipid content of DGB1 reached its maximum yield (7.2 g/L) after four days of incubation. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis revealed presence of five long chain saturated fatty acids, decanoic, tridecanoic, pentadecanoic, hexadecanoic and heptadecanoic. About 50% of these fatty acids was heptadecanoic acid. However, as a maximum, ~ 20% (w/w) of the lipid contents were determined when the basal medium containing 30% glycerol was used for lipid production instead of 5% glucose. This may push us to conclude that glucose is the most suitable carbon source which could be used to produce lipids from strain DGB1. In conclusion, this work revealed the possibility of using the promising fungal strain DGB1 in biodiesel production. Key words: Biodiesel, lipids, Geotrichum, heptadecanoic
Highlights
The main resource known to obtain energy is petroleum, but the continued uses of petroleum-based fuels contribute to atmospheric pollution which is the main reason for global warming (Meng et al, 2009)
Among 30 fungal isolates screened for lipid production using Nile-red staining assay, an isolate designated DGB1 was recorded as the highest lipid producer with lipid content up to 40% (w/w)
A promising fungal sp. strain designated DGB1 for biodiesel production was isolated from an Egyptian soil
Summary
The main resource known to obtain energy is petroleum, but the continued uses of petroleum-based fuels contribute to atmospheric pollution which is the main reason for global warming (Meng et al, 2009). The scarcity of known petroleum reserves makes renewable energy resources more attractive (Anitha and Narayanan, 2012). The replacement of petroleum fuels to secure future energy supplies continues to be a major concern. The most feasible way to meet the growing demand for energy is by utilizing alternative fuels. An alternative fuel to petrodiesel must be technically feasible, economically competitive, environmentally acceptable, and available (Meher et al, 2006). Biodiesel fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) are an alternative to petroleum-based diesel fuel
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
