Batch stage study of lipid production from crude glycerol derived from yellow grease or animal fats through microalgal fermentation.
A marine microalga, Schizochytrium limacinum SR21 has been found to grow fast on crude glycerol - a major by-product from the current biodiesel industry. Using crude glycerol derived from restaurant used oils (yellow grease), we have determined that glycerol concentrations of 25 and 35 g/l were the optimal ones for untreated and treated crude glycerol in batch cultures, respectively. Biomass dry weight as 8.3 and 13.3g/l were attained for these two doses, respectively. Higher concentrations of glycerol resulted in decreased cell growth due to substrate inhibition and methanol presence. With 35 g/l, the cellular lipid content was the highest - 73.3% among all the doses tested. Animal fats derived crude glycerol also supported algal growth and lipid production. Results from this study set a solid foundation for our ongoing fed-batch process to achieve maximal crude glycerol utilization and lipid production.
Liang
Yanna
Y
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, 1230 Lincoln Dr., Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA. liang@engr.siu.edu
Sarkany
Nicolas
N
Cui
Yi
Y
Blackburn
James W
JW
D000818:Animals; D018533:Biomass; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000378:metabolism*; D005223:Fats / Q000378:metabolism*; D005285:Fermentation; D005990:Glycerol / Q000378:metabolism*; D008055:Lipids / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D000432:Methanol / Q000737:chemistry
D005223:Fats; D008055:Lipids; D005990:Glycerol; D000432:Methanol