Sustainable Omega-3 Lipid Production from Agro-Industrial By-Products Using Thraustochytrids: Enabling Process...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Marine Microbiology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Thraustochytrids are a key source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).
• Agro-industrial by-products offer a cost-effective substrate for microbial cultivation.
• Sustainable production of PUFAs is critical for human and animal nutrition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize the cultivation of *Schizochytrium limacinum* SR21 using agro-industrial by-products.
• To maximize biomass and lipid production for omega-3 PUFA generation.
• To identify cost-effective substrates for sustainable thraustochytrid cultivation.

Main Methods:

• Optimization of biomass and lipid production in shake flasks and stirred-tank bioreactors.
• Evaluation of sugarcane molasses (SCM), corn steep liquor (CSL), and residual yeast cream (RYC) as substrates.
• Determination of optimal substrate concentrations and cultivation parameters.

Main Results:

• Shake flask optimization enhanced biomass, lipid content, and lipid production by 1.12, 1.72, and 1.92 times, respectively.
• A 10 L bioreactor achieved 39.29 g/L biomass, 14.98 g/L lipid concentration, and 32.83% DHA.
• Optimal substrate concentrations (66 g/L SCM, 24.5 g/L CSL, 6 g/L RYC) yielded a desirability index of 0.87.

Conclusions:

• Agro-industrial by-products are effective low-cost substrates for thraustochytrid lipid production.
• This bioprocess offers a sustainable route for omega-3 PUFA generation.
• Findings support applications in food fortification, supplements, and vegan omega-3 sources.