Microbial oil production from various carbon sources and its use for biodiesel preparation

Biodiesel has gained significant attention as an alternative to petroleum diesel. Currently, there is an increasing interest in obtaining microbial oils from oleaginous micro-organisms for biodiesel production. In the accumulation of microbial oils, carbon substrate constitutes a major portion of the cost. Accordingly, significant efforts have been made to explore suitable carbon sources, and to investigate their effects on cell growth as well as lipid synthesis. This paper reviews the current trend of using various carbon sources for microbial oils production, including carbon dioxide, conventional saccharides, energy crops, C2 compounds, lignocellulosic biomass, and glycerol. The strategies for enhancement of microbial oils production are further discussed. Finally, the constraints and perspectives of using microbial oils for biodiesel production are also highlighted. (C) 2012 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd