Batch stage study of lipid production from crude glycerol derived from yellow grease or animal fats through microalgal fermentation

A marine microalga, Schizochytrium limacinum SR21 has been found to grow fast on crude glycerol – a major by-product from the current biodiesel industry. Using crude glycerol derived from restaurant used oils (yellow grease), we have determined that glycerol concentrations of 25 and 35 g/l were the optimal ones for untreated and treated crude glycerol in batch cultures, respectively. Biomass dry weight as 8.3 and 13.3 g/l were attained for these two doses, respectively. Higher concentrations of glycerol resulted in decreased cell growth due to substrate inhibition and methanol presence. With 35 g/l, the cellular lipid content was the highest – 73.3% among all the doses tested. Animal fats derived crude glycerol also supported algal growth and lipid production. Results from this study set a solid foundation for our ongoing fed-batch process to achieve maximal crude glycerol utilization and lipid production.