Annual Research & Review in Biology

Transportation relies heavily on fuel, which is mostly derived from fossil fuels. Fossil fuel comes from unsustainable sources. Such sources that consistently supply fuel are necessary.  Oil seeds, lipid-accumulating microbes and inedible plant biomass might be better substitutes. The procedure of cultivating plant sources is laborious. Oleaginous yeast, a type of yeast that accumulates lipids inside the cells, may be a promising source. In terms of lipid buildup, Yarrowia lipolytica, an unconventional and well researched yeast, occurs with a range of carbon sources, including waste cooking oils, dairy industry waste, non-edible oil seeds, free fatty acids and numerous other media. This yeast accumulates lipids toward the conclusion of the log phase and the beginning of the stationary phase, under the lower nitrogen concentrations. A lot of research has been done on the genetics of lipid accumulation in Y. lipolytica, and efforts are being made to control the β-oxidation process for increased lipid accumulation in yeast cells.  Through the process of transesterification, the recovered lipid from the yeast is transformed into fatty acid methyl esters, ie., biodiesel. Yeast biodiesel and petroleum diesel have similar qualities.  Biodiesel blends are widely used in businesses and transportation, as they can be obtained based on the needs. Research on these oleaginous yeasts for their lipids as a source of biodiesel is being undertaken by numerous academic institutions and private businesses. The difficulty that needs to be successfully addressed, is making yeast-based biodiesel accessible and affordable.