Lipid accumulation by a cellulolytic strain of Aspergillus niger

Lipid accumulation by a cellulolytic mold, Aspergillus niger, was studied. The amount of lipid accumulated ranged from 13.6-16.6% on various carbon sources, namely glucose, xylose, avicel (microcrystalline cellulose) and bagasse (a natural lignocellulosic substrate). Neutral lipids, phospholipids and glycolipids of the mycelia varied from 41.0-46.2%, 34.9-38.4% and 18.7-22.6% of total lipids, respectively. Unsaturated fatty acids comprised around 80% of total fatty materials with linoleic and oleic acid predominating. Of the four nitrogen sources tested, NH4Cl was the best source for lipid synthesis from cellulose (bagasse). Optimum temperature range for growth and lipid synthesis was 25-30 degrees C.