Conversion of Glycerol to Triacylglycerol by Lipomyces Yeast

Abstract

Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) is widely used as an important material for industrial uses such as biodiesel fuel and surfactant. FAME is made from edible fats and oils such as palm oil, rape-seed oil and so on. In view of the future food problem caused by the increase in world population, alternative their source is required. On the other hand, glycerol as a byproduct of FAME production increases year by year, and its utilization is demanded. In recent years, we explored the optimal culture conditions and media for the oleaginous yeast strain called Lipomyces yeast, which grows vigorously on glycerol to produce triacylglycerol. In this article, we would like to introduce the possibility of cultivation and production of triacylglycerol using not only high purity glycerol but also crude one as carbon sources.