Evaluation of Euglena gracilis 815 as a New Candidate for Biodiesel Production

• Published in: Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology Vol. 10; p. 827513
• Main Authors: Chen, Zixi, Chen, Yehua, Zhang, Hua, Qin, Huan, He, Jiayi, Zheng, Zezhou, Zhao, Liqing, Lei, Anping, Wang, Jiangxin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland Frontiers Media S.A 25.03.2022
• Subjects: biodiesel; Bioengineering and Biotechnology; Euglena gracilis 815 strain; fatty acids; microalgae; paramylon; microalgae; paramylon; Euglena gracilis 815 strain; fatty acids; biodiesel
• ISSN: 2296-4185; 2296-4185
• DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.827513

comprises over 200 species, of which is a model organism with a relatively high fatty acid content, making it an excellent potential source of biodiesel. This study isolated and characterized a new strain named 815. 815 cells were cultivated under light and dark conditions, with either ethanol or glucose as an external carbon source and an autotrophic medium as control. To achieve maximum active substances within a short period i.e., 6 days, the effects of the light condition and carbon source on the accumulation of bioactive ingredients of 815 were explored, especially fatty acids. In comparison with the industrially used Z strain, 815 exhibited high adaptability to different carbon sources and light conditions, with a comparable biomass and lipid yield. The content and composition of fatty acids of 815 were further determined to assess its potential for biodiesel use. Results suggested that 815 has biodiesel potential under glucose addition in dark culture conditions and could be a promising source for producing unsaturated fatty acids. Therefore, 815 is a candidate for short-chain jet fuel, with prospects for a wide variety of applications.