“Optimization of Physiological Parameters for Production of PUFA using Biodiesel Derived Crude Glycerol as Carbon Sourceâ€

Abstract

Global interest on biodiesel as an alternative fuel has increased over the years, leading to production of large crude glycerol glut, which is impure and has low economic value. Its microbial conversion to value added products like organic acids, alcohol and fatty acid such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) can add to the market value to this crude glycerol. The present work reports on the optimization studies on physiological parameters in the conversion process namely pH and temperature. The isolate GK12 showed optimum linoleic acid (22.2%) and linolenic acid (6.7%) production at pH 8.5 and 19.9% of linoleic acid and 4% of linolenic acid was produced at optimum temperature of 20 ^oC. GK29 isolate showed optimum linoleic acid (20.1%) and linolenic acid (8.3%) production at pH 6 and 14.3% of linoleic acid and 1.8% of linolenic acid was produced at optimum temperature of 40 ^oC.