Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Napoleon Ballroom C-D, 3rd fl (Sheraton New Orleans)
Production of lipids by oleaginous microorganisms is considered as a promising way for biodiesel production and has been receiving many interests. Alternatively, the microbial-produced lipids can be used to produce renewable diesel. Pure sugars (e.g. glucose and xylose) and agro-industrial wastes such as crude glycerol have been reported to be used as raw materials for microbial lipid production. However, utilizing lignocellulosic substrate as carbon sources to produce microbial lipids has been scarcely reported. In this study, we investigated the capability of some oleaginous strains towards their potentiality to assimilate cellulose and convert it into lipids. In addition to pure cellulosic substrate, dilute acid pretreated corn stover and hydrolysate were also used as sole carbon source for evaluating the capacity of these strains for direct conversion of cellulosic feedstock to lipids. For characterization of lipids, gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry and a novel high-throughput spectroscopic technique were employed. We will present the results of the abilities by these strains for direct conversion of cellulosic feedstocks into lipids. The promising strains will be used as candidates for genetic manipulation in producing desirable types of lipids and hydrocarbon rich compounds for advanced biofuels.