Biotechnological Applications of Oleaginous Yeasts

Oleaginous yeasts are potential renewable sources of alternative biofuels due to high lipid contents and fatty acid profiles similar to those of plant oils. To increase the biotechnological potential of oleaginous yeasts, strategic cultivation of them using a wide variety of low-cost materials as substrates has been investigated intensively. Their metabolisms toward various substrates for the synthesis of lipids through de novo and ex novo processes have been described. In addition, direct transesterification processes that combine cell disruption, lipid extraction, and biodiesel production into a single step are proposed. This chapter thoroughly reviews recent research into the broad characteristics of oleaginous yeasts, the utilization of promising low-cost materials as substrates for yeast cultivation, and direct processing for biodiesel production from yeast lipids.