Oleaginous Microorganisms Utilizing Glycerol as Sole Carbon Source for the Production of Lipids for Biofuels

The growing popularity of biodiesel as an alternative to petroleum-derived diesel fuel has created a dramatic increase in the production of crude glycerol. Currently crude glycerol has a low market value and many biodiesel producers are treating the crude glycerol as a waste product. If biodiesel is to succeed as an alternative to petroleum-based fuels, it is essential that the crude glycerol produced be given value. Oleaginous microorganisms have the ability to use many different types of carbon sources and convert them into oils that can then be used for the production of fuels. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of oleaginous microorganisms to utilize glycerol as a carbon source for the production of oils. The study will focus on several different species of oleaginous yeasts and bacteria. Kinetics of glycerol removal and cell growth will be presented, as well as quality and yield of oil from the oleaginous microorganisms.