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Microbial lipids from organic wastes: Outlook and challenges
E Tomás-Pejó1, S Morales-Palomo1, C González-Fernández1
1IMDEA Energy, Biotechnological Processes Unit, Av. Ramón de la Sagra, 29835 Móstoles, Madrid, Spain.
Bioresource Technology
|January 8, 2021
Summary
Microbial lipids from organic waste offer a sustainable route to biochemicals. Research focuses on optimizing oleaginous microorganisms and processes for cost-effective lipid production from waste streams.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microbiology
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Microbial lipids are gaining attention as renewable feedstocks for biochemicals.
- Utilizing organic wastes as carbon sources enhances the profitability of microbial lipid production and supports a bio-based economy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review oleaginous microorganisms and current strategies for maximizing microbial oil production from low-cost substrates.
- To discuss downstream processing, challenges, advances, and applications of microbial oils in a circular economy.
Main Methods:
- Compilation of research on oleaginous microorganisms.
- Analysis of microbial and process-oriented approaches for lipid production.
- Review of downstream processing techniques (cell harvesting, lipid extraction).
Main Results:
- Identification of key traits of oleaginous microorganisms.
- Highlighting effective strategies for utilizing lignocellulosic sugars, volatile fatty acids, and glycerol.
- Discussion of cost-effectiveness factors in downstream processing.
Conclusions:
- Microbial oils are a promising component of the circular economy.
- Advances in microbial and process engineering are crucial for industrial applications.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges and fully exploit the potential of microbial oils.
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