Candidate For Biodiesel Production Research Articles

Enhancement production of lipid and unsaturation of fatty acids in Cryptococcus humicola via addition of calcium ion.

Lipids synthesized by oleaginous yeasts are considered to be the best candidates for biodiesel production. Cryptococcus humicola as an oleaginous yeast accumulated lipid in cells. In order to optimize the conditions for lipid production, different carbon and nitrogen sources were used and metals were added into the medium. Ca2+ addition increased the lipid production greatly. Xylose and peptone were optimal carbon source and nitrogen source, respectively for lipid accumulation. Response surface experiment results revealed that the accumulation of lipid could be maximized when the xylose, peptone and Ca2+ concentration was 61g/L, 4.31g/L, 0.67 mmol/L. C16 and C18 fatty acid account for about 91% of the total fatty acids. The most abundant fatty acid was oleic acid (42.68%), followed by palmitic acid (29.7%) and stearic acid (13.87%). The addition of Ca2+ increased the content of unsaturated fatty acids (such as C16:1 and C18:1) and improved the unsaturation of fatty acids. Quantitative real time PCR analysis revealed that expression of genes related to lipid biosynthesis showed up-regulated by Ca2+ treatment. This study provided a strategy for increase in lipid production and content of unsaturated fatty acids.

Evaluation of Euglena gracilis 815 as a New Candidate for Biodiesel Production.

Euglena comprises over 200 species, of which Euglena gracilis is a model organism with a relatively high fatty acid content, making it an excellent potential source of biodiesel. This study isolated and characterized a new strain named E. gracilis 815. E. gracilis 815 cells were cultivated under light and dark conditions, with either ethanol or glucose as an external carbon source and an autotrophic medium as control. To achieve maximum active substances within a short period i.e., 6 days, the effects of the light condition and carbon source on the accumulation of bioactive ingredients of E. gracilis 815 were explored, especially fatty acids. In comparison with the industrially used E. gracilis Z strain, E. gracilis 815 exhibited high adaptability to different carbon sources and light conditions, with a comparable biomass and lipid yield. The content and composition of fatty acids of E. gracilis 815 were further determined to assess its potential for biodiesel use. Results suggested that E. gracilis 815 has biodiesel potential under glucose addition in dark culture conditions and could be a promising source for producing unsaturated fatty acids. Therefore, E. gracilis 815 is a candidate for short-chain jet fuel, with prospects for a wide variety of applications.

Aspergillus caespitosus ASEF14, an oleaginous fungus as a potential candidate for biodiesel production using sago processing wastewater (SWW)

BackgroundOleaginous microorganisms are sustainable alternatives for the production of biodiesel. Among them, oleaginous fungi are known for their rapid growth, short life cycles, no light requirement, easy scalability, and the ability to grow in cheap organic resources. Among all the sources used for biodiesel production, industrial wastewater streams have been least explored. We used oleaginous fungi to decontaminate sago processing wastewater and produce biodiesel.ResultsAmong the 15 isolates screened for lipid production and starch utilization using the Nile red staining assay and amylase plate screening, three isolates accumulated > 20% (w/w) of their dry cell mass as lipids. The isolate ASEF14 exhibited the highest lipid accumulation (> 40%) and was identified as Aspergillus caespitosus based on the 28S rRNA gene sequencing. The maximum lipid content of 54.4% in synthetic medium (SM) and 37.2% in sago processing wastewater (SWW) was produced by the strain. The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of the fungal oil revealed the presence of functional peaks corresponding to major lipids. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the FTIR data revealed major changes in the fatty acid composition during the transition from the growth phase (Days 1–3) to the lipid accumulation phase (Days 4–7). The fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) analysis of fungal oil from SWW contained 43.82% and 9.62% of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, respectively. The composition and percentage of individual FAME derived from SWW were different from SM, indicating the effect of nutrient and fermentation time. The fuel attributes of the SM- and SWW-grown fungal biodiesel (kinematic viscosity, iodine value, cetane number, cloud and pour point, linolenic acid content, FA > 4 double bonds) met international (ASTM D6751, EN 14214) and national (IS 15607) biodiesel standards. In addition to biodiesel production, the strain removed various contaminants such as total solids (TS), total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and cyanide up to 58.6%, 53.0%, 35.2%, 94.5%, 89.3%, 91.3%, 74.0%, 47.0%, and 53.84%, respectively, from SWW.ConclusionThese findings suggested that A. caespitosus ASEF14 is a potential candidate with high lipid accumulating ability (37.27%), capable of using SWW as the primary growth medium. The medium and incubation time alter the FAME profile of this fungus. The physical properties of fungal oil were in accordance with the biodiesel standards. Moreover, it decontaminated SWW by reducing several polluting nutrients and toxicants. The fungal biodiesel produced by this cost-effective method could serve as an alternate path to meet global energy demand.

Experimental investigations of dairy scum biodiesel in a diesel engine with variable injection timing for performance, emission and combustion

The waste dairy scum oil containing triglycerides of fatty acids can be a potential candidate for production of biodiesel as an alternative for conventional fossil fuel. The present work investigates the performance, emission and combustion characteristics of dairy scum biodiesel in compression ignition engines corresponding to variable injection timing. The analysis was carried out with four different composition of biodiesel having 10, 20, 30 and 100% of dairy scum oil. Based on brake thermal efficiency and lower emissions, the dairy scum biodiesel with 20% of dairy scum oil (DSB-20) has been considered as the optimum composition. Corresponding to the fuel DSB-20, the highest brake thermal efficiency of 31.87% and lowest brake specific fuel consumption of 0.292 kg/KW.h was achieved for injection 26° before top dead center. The hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions are lowest for DSB-20 with 34 ppm and 0.06% respectively for injection 26° in advance to TDC. For injection 26° before TDC, the cylinder pressure attained 53.12 bar with a pressure rise rate of 4.69 bar for unit crank angle. Similarly both the heat release rate and cumulative heat release rate are highest for DSB-20 with injection 26° before TDC. A better performance, emission and combustion characteristics for DSB-20 with injection 26° before TDC are obtained than that for diesel with injection 23° before TDC. Hence DSB-20 can be successfully used as an alternative to diesel in compression ignition engines with slight more advancement of injection timing.

Predicted fuel characteristics of prunus avium seed oil as a candidate for biodiesel production

Energy is an indispensable requirement for both developed and developing societies today. However, most of the energy needs are met by fossil fuels, these resources are not renewable. Many countries are evaluating alternative sources to meet energy demand and to sustain development. In this study, oil was obtained by using Prunus avium kernels, also known as Turkish Cherry cultivated from Pozantı which is on the Taurus Mountains. Oil characterization was performed by gas chromatography (GC) and free fatty acids were determined. Oleic acid (C18:1) and Linoleic acid (C18:2) determined as 38.938 and 40.963 respectively. The free fatty acids were then evaluated using the Biodiesel Analyzer v1.2 program. The predicted results were the total percentage of monosaturated fatty acids (MUFA) 39.408, total percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) 41.042, Allylic Position Equivalents (APE) 121.146, Bisallylic position equivalents (BAPE) 41.220 respectively. On the other hand, Long Chain Saturated Factor (LCSF) is calculated as 3.624. Higher Heating Value (HHV) was calculated as 37.65Mj/kg, Cloud Point (CP) 0.099, Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) -5.091° C, Density (d) 0.838 (g/cm3), Cetane Number (CN) 50.1, Iodine Value (IV) 109.878, Kinematic Viscosity 3.543, Flash Point (FP) 160.56, Saponification Value (SV) 191.354, and Oxidation Stability (OS) 5.468, respectively. As a result of this study, it was concluded that Prunus Avium kernel oil is a promising biodiesel candidate.

Progress of Microalgal Biodiesel Research in Pakistan

Excessive use of fossil fuels has led to severe energy calamity and environmental pollution in the world. The effect can be mitigated by shifting from conventional fuels to biofuel which may become a replacement of fuels such as diesel, gasoline and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Algal biomass is considered as one of the most promising and emerging sources of biodiesel production. Technologies related to biodiesel production using algal biomass have gained initial foothold in Pakistan but have failed miserably in gaining necessary momentum due to lack of government support to technology. The aim of this study is to indicate the progress and future perspectives of biodiesel production in Pakistan through microalgae. The study indicates that a microalgae is one of the best candidates for biodiesel production in addition to other energy crops like Jatropha, Castor and Pongamia Pinnata. There is a need to expeditiously develop biodiesel technology using local resources to lower the burden of imports on country’s economy while also bringing security of energy resources.

Assessment of benefits and risks of growing Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) as a biofuel crop in sub-Saharan Africa: a contribution to agronomic and socio-economic policies

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the main goals behind the development of a biofuel industry are employment creation and income generation. Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) has emerged as a candidate for biodiesel production. It is a non-edible oil producing, drought-resistant plant that can be grown on marginal land with limited water and low soil fertility. However, these are also attributes that typify weedy and invasive plant species. Adding to these concerns are the general questioning of whether biofuel production will reduce Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally. Currently, there is limited information on the potential invasiveness of many biofuel crops, and in particular, the potential risks of cultivating Jatropha. This paper aims to assess the benefits and risks, especially risks, of growing Jatropha for biodiesel production. Jatropha should be screened through a science-based risk-assessment procedure to predict the risk of becoming invasive before it is released for large-scale commercial cultivation. The net GHG savings can be achieved through the cultivation of Jatropha, considering two main factors: no land-use change and crop management without chemical fertilization.

Influence of carbon sources and light intensity on biomass and lipid production of Chlorella sorokiniana BTA 9031 isolated from coalfield under various nutritional modes

Microalgae are claimed to be the most promising non-food based feedstock for generation of biofuels. However, achieving a high total lipid content with photoautotrophic culture is still challenging. Hence, a viable method to enhance the algal biomass and target product is to observe growth of microalgae under heterotrophic or mixotrophic conditions. In the current study the influence of light and carbon sources under various nutritional modes viz., phototrophic, heterotrophic and mixotrophic to augment the biomass and lipid production of Chlorella sorokiniana BTA 9031 isolated from coalfield was studied. Carbon dioxide (CO2), sodium bicarbonate, sodium acetate, fructose and molasses, an industrial bye-product was used as the carbon sources. The highest biomass concentration of 1.55gL−1 and total lipid content of 30.6% of dry cell weight (DCW) was obtained when the microalgae was grown using 5gL−1 of molasses as a carbon source under mixotrophic condition. The initial and final concentration of sugars present in the media supplemented with molasses was determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). To study the effect of sunlight, microalgae were maintained in outdoor photobioreactors with the respective carbon sources. C12:0, C14:0, C15:0, C18:0, C14:1, C15:1, C17:1, C18:1 and C20:0 fatty acids were identified by fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis. The present work also provides a comparison of biomass concentration and total lipid content obtained during the three culture modes along with the outdoor cultures. Hence, Chlorella sorokiniana BTA 9031 could be considered to be a potent candidate for production of biodiesel by utilizing the cheap carbon source, molasses under mixotrophic condition.

Biodiesel production from Spirulina microalgae feedstock using direct transesterification near supercritical methanol condition

Microalgae as a candidate for production of biodiesel, possesses a hard cell wall that prevents intracellular lipids leaving out from the cells. Direct or in situ supercritical transesterification has the potential for destruction of microalgae hard cell wall and conversion of extracted lipids to biodiesel that consequently reduces the total energy consumption. Response surface methodology combined with central composite design was applied to investigate process parameters including: Temperature, Time, Methanol-to-dry algae, Hexane-to-dry algae, and Moisture content. Thirty-two experiments were designed and performed in a batch reactor, and biodiesel efficiency between 0.44% and 99.32% was obtained. According to fatty acid methyl ester yields, a quadratic experimental model was adjusted and the significance of parameters was evaluated using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Effects of single and interaction parameters were also interpreted. In addition, the effect of supercritical process on the ultrastructure of microalgae cell wall using scanning electron spectrometry (SEM) was surveyed.

Cultivation of micro-algae for Production of Biodiesel: An optimized Process

<p>Microalgae are considered as one of the potential source of biodiesel for the future. The search to obtain the potential strains from the algal diversity capable of producing oil is critical for sustainable production of biodiesel. In the present study, microalgae biomass with oil/lipid accumulation capability and their morphological features was isolated from Lake Abaya and Chamo. The algal biomass was cultivated <em>in vitro</em> and media optimization for maximum biomass was done using different basal media, BG-11 medium, and Chu -10. In addition the various carbon sources, nitrogen sources, pH and temperature were considered in this study for optimization. Green algae <em>Oedogonium</em>, <em>Chlorella </em>and <em>Cladophora</em> species were observed to be dominant species and the maximum oil per dry algal biomass was found to be from <em>Oedogonium</em> sp. Thus from the present study for the cultivation of the selected algae, BG-11 medium supplemented with tryptone (0.2%) sucrose (2%) and pH- 6 with incubation temperature of 30<sup>0</sup>C was found to be suitable. These results suggest that <em>Oedogonium</em> sp. has several desirable features that make it a potential candidate for biodiesel production.</p>

Effect of media composition and light supply on biomass, lipid content and FAME profile for quality biofuel production from Scenedesmus abundans

Microalgae have a potential to serve as a renewable feedstock for synthesis of biodiesel, rich in saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and valuable biomolecules. Role of several parameters such as nutrient composition, light intensity, photoperiod and pH on growth and lipid productivity was investigated. A freshwater green microalga Scenedesmus abundans was selected as a potential candidate for production of biodiesel and its growth conditions were optimized for enhanced lipid accumulation. The lipid content of the strain has been increased up to about 48% when grown in modified Fogg’s medium at pH 8 with light intensity of 40.5μmolm−2s−1 and photoperiod of 16h light:8h dark. Lipids were transesterified and the fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) thus obtained were analyzed by GC–MS. They possess more than 80% of C16 to C18 fatty acids, which are major precursors for biodiesel production. The FAME consisted of saturated (47.83%), monounsaturated (26.38%) and polyunsaturated (25.20%) fatty acids. Several important biodiesel quality parameters were predicted and compared to the corresponding specifications in the American and European biodiesel standards. The study opens up new vistas for utilization of the microalga, S. abundans for efficient production of biodiesel.

Fatty acid content and profile of the aerial microalga Coccomyxa sp. isolated from dry environments.

Aerial algae are considered to be highly tolerant of and adaptable to severe conditions including radiation, desiccation, high temperatures, and nutrient deficiency, compared with those from aquatic habitats. There are considerable variations in the fatty acid (FA) composition of aerial microalgae from dry environments. A new species with a high lipid level was found on concrete surfaces and was identified as Coccomyxa sp. KGU-D001 (Trebouxiophyceae). This study characterized its FA content and profile in a bath culture. The alga showed a constant specific growth rate (0.26 day(-1)) ranging in light intensity from 20 to 80 μmol photons m(-2) s(-1). The algal cells started to form oil bodies in the early stationary phase of growth, and oil bodies occupied most of the cells during the late stationary phase when the cells accumulated 27 % total fatty acids (TFA). The process of lipid body formation accumulating large amounts of triacylglycerols (TAG) appeared to be very unusual in response to stress conditions persisting for a relatively long culture time (50 days). This study could indicate that aerial microalgae will be a candidate for biodiesel production when a new cultivation method is developed using extreme stresses such as nutritional deficiency and/or desiccation.

Profiling of polar lipids in marine oleaginous diatom Fistulifera solaris JPCC DA0580: prediction of the potential mechanism for eicosapentaenoic acid-incorporation into triacylglycerol.

The marine oleaginous diatom Fistulifera solaris JPCC DA0580 is a candidate for biodiesel production because of its high lipid productivity. However, the substantial eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) content in this strain would affect the biodiesel quality. On the other hand, EPA is also known as the essential health supplement for humans. EPAs are mainly incorporated into glycerolipids in the microalgal cell instead of the presence as free fatty acids. Therefore, the understanding of the EPA biosynthesis including the incorporation of the EPA into glycerolipids especially triacylglycerol (TAG) is fundamental for regulating EPA content for different purposes. In this study, in order to identify the biosynthesis pathway for the EPA-containing TAG species, a lipidomic characterization of the EPA-enriched polar lipids was performed by using direct infusion electrospray ionization (ESI)-Q-TRAP-MS and MS/MS analyses. The determination of the fatty acid positional distribution showed that the sn-2 position of all the chloroplast lipids and part of phosphatidylcholine (PC) species was occupied by C16 fatty acids. This result suggested the critical role of the chloroplast on the lipid synthesis in F. solaris. Furthermore, the exclusive presence of C18 fatty acids in PC highly indicated the biosynthesis of EPA on PC. Finally, the PC-based acyl-editing and head group exchange processes were proposed to be essential for the incorporation of EPA into TAG and chloroplast lipids.

Selection of elite microalgae for biodiesel production in tropical conditions using a standardized platform

Four thermotolerant microalgae were isolated from tropical Taiwan and classified as members of Desmodesmus based on morphological and molecular studies. A platform was established to evaluate their biodiesel production-related traits, including thermotolerance, lipid productivity, lipid oxidative stability and auto-sedimentation. The findings demonstrated thermotolerance of all four species was at the same level, as all could live at 45 °C for 24 h and 50 °C for 8 h with mortality rates below 5% of cells. The lipid productivity of Desmodesmus sp. F2 reached 113 mg/L/d. Its saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids accounted for 75% of the FAMEs, and it required only 3.1 h to achieve 85% sedimentation. Comparing these traits to those of the other three Desmodesmus and microalgae in the literature, Desmodesmus sp. F2 is one of the best candidates for biodiesel production in tropical and subtropical areas. This platform effectively assessed traits of microalgae related to biodiesel production.

Evaluating new isolates of microalgae from Kazakhstan for biodiesel production

New microalgal strains that are native to South-East Kazakhstan were isolated and characterized with a view to identifying suitable candidates for biodiesel production. Six strains of chlorophyte algae (named K1–K6) were recovered from environmental samples as axenic cultures, and molecular analysis revealed that five (K1–K5) are strains of Parachlorella kessleri, whereas K6 is a strain of Chlorella vulgaris. A third isolate from Uzbekistan (termed UZ) was also identified as a separate strain of P. kessleri. All strains show high growth rates and an ability to utilize acetate as an exogenous source of fixed carbon. Furthermore, under conditions of nitrogen depletion, all three strains showed a significant accumulation of neutral lipids (triacylglycerides). P. kessleri K5 and C. vulgaris K6 therefore represent promising autochthon strains for large-scale cultivation and biodiesel production in Kazakhstan.

Taxonomic identification and lipid production of two Chilean Chlorella-like strains isolated from a marine and an estuarine coastal environment

The genus Chlorella was the first microalga to be massively cultured as food, feed and as a source of nutraceuticals. More recently, some species have been suggested as candidates for biodiesel production. One of the most difficult tasks in studying the systematics of green coccoids is the identification of species assigned to the genus Chlorella. In the context of several projects carried out by our research group we isolated two Chlorella-like strains from a marine and an estuarine coastal environment in Chile (Coliumo strain and Baker strain, respectively). The main objectives of this research were to identify these Chilean strains—at the species level—and determine and compare their lipid production when cultured under identical conditions. Cell size and shape, autospore number and sizes, and chloroplast and pyrenoid ultrastructure were considered as taxonomic descriptors, and 18S rDNA sequences and internal transcribed spacer ITS-1 + ITS-2 sequences and secondary structure were adopted as phylogenetic tools. The combined use of these morphological, ultrastructural and molecular attributes revealed that only the Baker strain belongs to the genus Chlorella (C. vulgaris), while the Coliumo strain corresponds to the recently amended genus Chloroidium (C. saccharophilum). Lipid characterization of the biomass obtained from these strains showed that Chlorella vulgaris (Baker strain) appears to be suitable as a raw material for biodiesel production, while Chloroidium saccharophilum (Coliumo strain) would be more appropriate for animal nutrition.

Identification of naturally isolated Southern Louisiana's algal strains and the effect of higher CO2 content on fatty acid profiles for biodiesel production

AbstractBACKGROUND: Microalgae, with both high biomass productivity and oil content, are regarded as attractive candidates for the production of alternative biodiesel as well as for CO2 biofixation. In the present study, four microalgal strains native to southeastern Louisiana's waters were isolated and identified to evaluate their potential for the production of biodiesel. Selected strains were identified through genomic DNA in sequencing of either 16S rRNA or 18S rRNA genes followed by lipid and fatty acid content characterization and quantification.RESULTS: High correlation was found with known nucleotide sequence identities at 98% with Sellaphora pupula, and 99% with Synechococcus sp., Chlorella sorokiniana, Scenedesmus abundans, and Chlorella vulgaris (control). The fatty acid profiles of these organisms changed when using 5% CO2 aeration. Total fatty acids (TFA) decreased from 20.63 to 17.62, 54.83 to 24.4, and 29.82 to 23.99 g kg−1 in Synechococcus sp., Sellaphora pupula and Chlorella sorokiniana, respectively. TFA increased from 14.14 to 31.49 and 15.14 to 47.52 g kg−1 dry biomass in Scenedesmus abundans and Chlorella vulgaris (control), respectively.CONCLUSION: Chlorella sorokiniana, with a lower C18:3 and the highest biomass yield at 5% CO2 aeration, was found to be the best candidate for biodiesel production. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry

Freshwater diatoms as a source of lipids for biofuels

Until recently, biodiesel production has been derived from terrestrial plants such as soybean and canola, leading to competition between biodiesel production and agricultural production for source materials. Microalgae have the potential to synthesize 30 times more oil per hectare than terrestrial plants without competing for agricultural land. We examined four genera (Cyclotella, Aulacoseira, Fragilaria, Synedra) of common freshwater diatoms (Bacillariophyceae) for growth and lipid content in defined medium (sD11) that replicates hypereutrophic conditions in lakes and wastewater treatment plant effluents and optimized the medium for silicon content. Cyclotella and Aulacoseira produced the highest levels of total lipids, 60 and 43μg total lipids/ml, respectively. Both diatoms are rich in fatty acids C14, C16, C16:1, C16:2,7,10, and C22:5n3. Of the diatoms examined, Cyclotella reached the highest population density (>2.5×10(6) cells/ml) in stationary phase when many of the cells appeared to be filled entirely with oil. Silicon enrichment studies indicated that for optimal utilization of phosphorus and nitrogen by diatoms growing in wastewater effluent, the amount of silicon present or added to the effluent should be 17.5 times the mass of phosphorus in the effluent. With high growth rates, high lipid contents, and rapid settling rates, Cyclotella and Aulacoseira are candidates for biodiesel production.

Effect of Salinity Change on Biomass and Biochemical Composition of Nannochloropsis oculata

Salinity fluctuation is an important factor affecting outdoor microalgae culture. This investigation examined the effect of salinity change (Tr‐1:35–15 g/L, Tr‐2:35–25 g/L, Tr‐3:35–35 g/L, Tr‐4:35–45 g/L, and Tr‐5:35–55 g/L) on growth and the biochemical composition of Nannochloropsis oculata, a candidate for biodiesel production in indoor photo‐bioreactors. Results showed that the algae increased in absorbency and dry biomass as salinity decreased. When the salinity increased, the specific growth rate (SGR) of the algae decreased significantly. The salinity stress also affected the pigments of the algae, the chlorophyll‐a, and carotenoid contents of the algae which decreased with the increase of salinity from 45 to 55 g/L. The fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) content (% of dry biomass) increased with the increase of salinity (e.g., Tr‐4 and Tr‐5). The algae was rich in C16:0 (palmitic acid), C16:1n‐7 (palmitoleic acid), and C20:5n‐3 (eicosapentaenoic acid), and C16:0 content increased with decreasing salinity from 35 to 15 g/L, but C16:1n‐7 content was high in all the treatments ranging from 25.25 ± 1.42% in Tr‐1 to 27.05 ± 1.13% in Tr‐5.

"Sincron": A new Brassica carinata cultivar for biodiesel production

The recent rapid increase of petrol price due to the rising world demand for energy and the rapid depletion of fossil fuels calls for a diversification of energy sources, with particular reference to liquid fuels, gasoline and diesel oil. Diesel fuel in particular is fundamental for human and trade transport. Biodiesel, produced by a simple processing of oil from animal fat and/or oilcrops, could represent an interesting alternative, both pure or mixed with diesel oil. Biodiesel remains interesting even when it becomes clear that it cannot provide a complete substitution for diesel oil use. In tropical areas oil palm, cotton oil, etc. could represent valid sources of vegetable oil, while in temperate areas, rape, soybean and sunflower now represent possible adapted biodiesel producers. However, there is a need to identify other oil crop species, fall sown, not needing irrigation but exhibiting high potential oil productivity. Among the members of the genus Brassica, Brassica carinata, an allopolyploid species coming from natural crosses of B. nigra B. oleracea, originated in Ethiopia, could be of interest for biodiesel production. Being a semi-wild species, but domesticated for indehiscent pod, fall or spring seeded in our conditions, with good growth, Brassica carinata could be a candidate for biodiesel production. We introduced several lines/populations, selected with particular reference to winter survival (particularly in North and Central Italy), high biomass and seed production and good adaptation to marginal soils. The collection and selection program started in the 1990s, with lines obtained from ENEA, Koipesol, India, Germany, Netherlands, etc. After the preliminary screening for agronomic performance, several lines were identified and selected for increased seed and biomass production. The best-performing line, selected from a population coming from North India, was tested in north, central and south Italy, with interesting results. The line, now called "Sincron" for its synchronic ripening, should be seeded in the fall, after good soil preparation to ensure high resistance to winter conditions, in order to profit from winter rains and from long growing cycle. In good conditions, Sincron reaches 1.50-1.70 m height, seed production of 4.0-4.8 t/ha, seed oil content of 33%-35%, with high erucic acid content (47%) and good technological characteristics for biodiesel production. A program involving some 35.000 ha has been proposed in Sicily for production of both biodiesel and electric power from the biomass, while the pres ence of glucosinolates in the cake could be used for control of nematodes in greenhouses and protected cultivations, after the ban of methyl bromide. .