Growth and neutral lipid synthesis by Yarrowia lipolytica on various carbon substrates under nutrient-sufficient and nutrient-limited conditions

Growth and TAG production by Yarrowia lipolytica were compared for cells cultured in nitrogen-complete medium containing waste glycerol derived from biodiesel production, as well as pure glycerol, dextrose, or canola oil as the carbon sources. Growth and TAG production were also analyzed for Y. lipolytica cells cultured in nitrogen-limited media containing either pure glycerol or glycerol plus dextrose. Significantly greater amounts of TAGs were synthesized by Y. lipolytica cultured in minimal media compared to rich media (approximately 3-fold on dry weight basis when grown on glycerol). Cultures in minimal medium containing glycerol yielded 31% TAGs on a dry cell weight (dcw) basis, while cultures in minimal medium containing glycerol plus dextrose produced 38% TAGs (dcw), with glycerol consumption favored over dextrose consumption. Our results suggest that Y. lipolytica could serve as a source of TAGs for biodiesel production using crude waste glycerol generated by biodiesel synthesis.