Sophorolipid production from biomass hydrolysates

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Microbial Production
• Biosurfactants

Background:

• Sophorolipids are valuable biosurfactants with diverse applications.
• Current production relies on pure sugars and oils, limiting cost-effectiveness.
• Utilization of lignocellulosic biomass for sophorolipid production remains unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of Candida (Starmerella) bombicola for sophorolipid production using lignocellulosic hydrolysates.
• To evaluate the impact of different lignocellulosic sources (sweet sorghum bagasse, corn fiber) on sophorolipid yield.
• To assess the consumption of sugars and non-sugar compounds in hydrolysates by C. bombicola.

Main Methods:

• Cultivation of Candida (Starmerella) bombicola in hydrolysates from sweet sorghum bagasse and corn fiber.
• Sophorolipid production was assessed with and without soybean oil supplementation.
• Analysis of sugar and non-sugar compound consumption in the hydrolysates.
• Comparison of yields against a standard glucose medium.

Main Results:

• Candida (Starmerella) bombicola successfully produced sophorolipids from both sweet sorghum bagasse and corn fiber hydrolysates.
• Sophorolipid yields reached 3.6 g/L and 1.0 g/L without oil supplementation, and 84.6 g/L and 15.6 g/L with 100 g/L soybean oil, respectively.
• Complete consumption of monomeric sugars and non-sugar compounds was observed.
• Higher sophorolipid yields were achieved using bagasse hydrolysates compared to a standard glucose medium.

Conclusions:

• Lignocellulosic hydrolysates, particularly from sweet sorghum bagasse, are viable substrates for sophorolipid production by Candida (Starmerella) bombicola.
• This approach offers a sustainable and potentially cost-effective alternative to conventional methods.
• The ability of C. bombicola to utilize diverse components of lignocellulosic hydrolysates enhances its biotechnological potential.