Microbial lipid production from lignocellulosic hydrolyzates: effect of carbohydrate mixtures and acid‐hydrolysis byproducts on cell growth and lipid production by <i>Lipomyces starkeyi</i>

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND The effects of byproducts of lignocellulosic hydrolyzates, such as furfural, 5‐hydroxy methyl furfural ( HMF ), vanillin, para‐hydroxy benzaldehyde ( PHB ), and syringaldehyde, on the growth and lipid accumulation by Lipomyces starkeyi were investigated. All the studies were conducted using a minimal medium. RESULTS The growth and lipid accumulation patterns on individual sugars (glucose and xylose) were similar, sequential utilization was observed when both the sugars were present in the medium. The tolerance of Lipomyces starkeyi to the acid‐hydrolysis byproducts, furfural, 5‐hydroxy methyl furfural ( HMF ), vanillin, para‐hydroxy benzaldehyde ( PHB ), and syringaldehyde, was promising. CONCLUSION The inhibitory effects of 5‐hydroxy methyl furfural ( HMF ), vanillin, para‐hydroxy benzaldehyde ( PHB ), and syringaldehyde were not significant at concentrations up to 500 mg L −1 ; for furfural the threshold was 400 mg L −1 . The fatty acid profiles of lipids were not affected by the presence of inhibitors in the medium. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry