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Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) production from microorganisms: a review
1Chemical Engineering Division, Thapar Corporate Research & Development Centre, Patiala, India.
Journal of Biotechnology
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is vital for health, but fish oil is an undesirable source. This review explores microorganisms like algae and fungi as sustainable, healthier alternatives for EPA production.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and Microbiology
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemical Engineering
Background:
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is crucial for preventing and treating numerous human diseases.
- Current primary source, fish oil, is unattractive due to high levels of undesirable fatty acids and cholesterol.
- There is a significant need for alternative, cleaner sources of EPA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review microorganisms capable of producing Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
- To assess the production and recovery processes for microbial EPA.
- To evaluate the commercial viability of microorganisms as EPA sources.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications on EPA-producing microorganisms.
- Analysis of data concerning microbial fermentation and downstream processing for EPA.
- Evaluation of economic and scalability factors for commercial production.
Main Results:
- Algae and fungi (order Mucorales) are identified as promising microorganisms for EPA production.
- Specific strains and optimal conditions for EPA yield and recovery are discussed.
- Microbial EPA production offers a potentially purer and more sustainable alternative to fish oil.
Conclusions:
- Microorganisms represent a viable and attractive alternative source for Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
- Further research and development in microbial cultivation and extraction can optimize commercial production.
- Harnessing microbial EPA can lead to healthier and more sustainable dietary supplements and therapeutic agents.