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Related Concept Videos

Biofuels01:25

Biofuels

The microbial conversion of organic matter into biofuels holds potential as a renewable energy source. Among biofuel sources, microalgae are recognized as a highly efficient and adaptable feedstock for biodiesel production, owing to their rapid biomass accumulation, elevated lipid productivity, and capacity to proliferate in diverse aquatic systems, including freshwater, marine, and wastewater habitats. Unlike terrestrial crops, microalgae do not compete for land and can achieve significantly...
Bioremediation00:46

Bioremediation

Bioremediation is the use of prokaryotes, fungi, or plants to remove pollutants from the environment. This process has been used to remove harmful toxins in groundwater as a byproduct of agricultural run-off and also to clean up oil spills.
Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons01:26

Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons

Bioremediation is an environmentally sustainable process that employs living organisms—primarily microorganisms—to degrade or neutralize pollutants from contaminated environments. In oil spills and hydrocarbon pollution, bioremediation involves the use of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria to transform toxic compounds into less harmful substances. This approach leverages natural microbial metabolic processes and is considered both cost-effective and ecologically favorable compared to physical or...
Lipid Catabolism01:25

Lipid Catabolism

Triglycerides serve as crucial long-term energy storage molecules in microorganisms, providing a dense source of metabolic energy. Their breakdown is mediated by lipases, which hydrolyze triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids. Each of these components follows distinct metabolic pathways, ultimately contributing to ATP synthesis and cellular energy homeostasis.Glycerol MetabolismGlycerol, released from triglyceride hydrolysis, is phosphorylated by glycerol kinase to form...
Green Algae01:21

Green Algae

Green algae, also referred to as chlorophytes, are different from red algae in having the chloroplasts containing chlorophylls a and b, which give them their distinct green hue. However, they lack phycobiliproteins, preventing them from developing the red or blue-green pigmentation seen in red algae. In terms of photosynthetic pigment composition, green algae closely resemble plants and share a close evolutionary relationship with them. Taxonomically Green algae belong to Phylum Chlorophyta in...
Bioplastics01:27

Bioplastics

Bioplastics derived from microbial processes present a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. Among these, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), particularly polyhydroxybutyrates (PHBs), have emerged as prominent candidates due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. These polymers are synthesized by a variety of bacteria, such as Cupriavidus necator and Pseudomonas putida, which naturally accumulate PHAs as intracellular carbon and energy reserves, especially under...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Ultrasonic-Assisted Preparation of Biodiesel Products from Vegetable Oils
04:40

Ultrasonic-Assisted Preparation of Biodiesel Products from Vegetable Oils

Published on: April 19, 2024

Biotechnological processes for biodiesel production using alternative oils.

Laura Azócar1, Gustavo Ciudad, Hermann J Heipieper

  • 1Núcleo Científico Tecnológico en Biorrecursos, Universidad de La Frontera, Casilla 54-D, Temuco, Chile.

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
|August 11, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Using waste lipids and oleaginous microorganisms as feedstocks for biodiesel (fatty acid methyl ester - FAME) production offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative. Biological catalysts effectively overcome challenges posed by free fatty acids, simplifying purification.

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Experimental Protocol for Biodiesel Production with Isolation of Alkenones as Coproducts from Commercial Isochrysis Algal Biomass
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Experimental Protocol for Biodiesel Production with Isolation of Alkenones as Coproducts from Commercial Isochrysis Algal Biomass

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Laboratory Production of Biofuels and Biochemicals from a Rapeseed Oil through Catalytic Cracking Conversion
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Experimental Protocol for Biodiesel Production with Isolation of Alkenones as Coproducts from Commercial Isochrysis Algal Biomass
09:10

Experimental Protocol for Biodiesel Production with Isolation of Alkenones as Coproducts from Commercial Isochrysis Algal Biomass

Published on: June 24, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology
  • Renewable Energy
  • Chemical Engineering

Background:

  • Biodiesel production from edible oils causes deforestation and high costs.
  • Waste lipids and non-edible oils are viable, low-cost alternatives.
  • Oleaginous microorganisms (single-cell oil) offer another sustainable feedstock option.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore alternative feedstocks for biodiesel production.
  • To address challenges associated with high free fatty acid (FFA) content in alternative feedstocks.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of biological catalysts in biodiesel synthesis.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated waste lipids (frying oils, fats, soapstock) and non-edible oils (jatropha, pongamia, rubber seed).
  • Considered oleaginous microorganisms (microalgae, bacteria, yeast, fungi) as lipid sources.
  • Examined the use of biological catalysts (lipases, whole-cell catalysts) for transesterification.

Main Results:

  • Alternative feedstocks often have high acid values due to FFAs, causing saponification with alkaline catalysts.
  • Soap formation consumes catalysts, reduces biodiesel yield, and complicates separation.
  • Biological catalysts esterify FFAs, preventing soap production and simplifying purification.

Conclusions:

  • Biological catalysts are effective solutions for producing biodiesel from high-FFA feedstocks.
  • Using waste lipids and microbial oils with enzymatic catalysis enhances sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
  • This approach simplifies glycerol recovery and biodiesel purification processes.