Oleaginous Microorganisms: An Assessment of the Potential

Abstract

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses the potential of oleaginous microorganisms in producing microbial lipids with an emphasis on functionally superior products such as specialty fats and oils, and important metabolites that have not yet been extensively studied. Oleaginous microorganisms are those which accumulate lipid at more than 20% of their biomass. Oil-forming organisms are found among bacteria, yeasts, molds, and algae. Accumulation of lipid in the cell is typically a biphasic process requiring an excess of carbon over other nutrients, particularly nitrogen. The first phase is characterized by rapid cell growth until the nitrogen is consumed, which is followed by the second phase, wherein the excess carbon in the medium is converted to lipid. Single cell oil (SCO) is a triacylglycerol type of oil from yeasts, analogous to plant and animal edible oils and fats. Various methods involved in the production of SCO are discussed in the chapter. The trend to construct healthy fats to meet nutritional needs has created a great interest in oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) because of their unique physiological activities in the human body. The study of PUFA production is discussed in more detail in the chapter. Opportunities for utilizing oleaginous microorganisms include improving PUFA production efficiency and developing methods for producing unusual lipid classes such as hydroxyalkanoates, wax esters, cerebrosides, and glycolipids.