Lipid Accumulation Bioprocess of Oils and Fats: From the State of the Art to the Challenges

Abstract

Microorganisms, including yeasts and bacteria, have long been studied as alternative sources of oils and fats [1, 2]. Microorganisms synthesize lipids as a part of their metabolism, and as a source of energy. Some species have been reported to accumulate more than 20% of their dry cell mass in the form of lipids, and have been classified as “oleaginous” microorganisms [3]. Moreover, some oleaginous yeast species are particularly promising in this respect, as they can accumulate more than 70% of their dry cell weight as lipids [3]. In addition to this considerable capacity for lipid accumulation, oleaginous yeasts present various fatty acid profiles. In particular, they synthesize valuable polyunsaturated fatty acids, and are, therefore, a target of choice for potential applications as a renewable raw material for energetic and chemical production or as nutritional supplements. The analysis of the international state of the art revealed that oleaginous microorganisms have been studied over decades.