Optimization of lipid enriched biomass production from oleaginous fungus using response surface methodology

Oleaginous microorganisms have emerged as potential sources of oils for biodiesel production. To replenish as an alternative to the vegetable oils, higher lipid accumulating strain coupled with process optimization is indispensable. In the present study, response surface methodology (RSM) based central composite design (CCD) was used for optimization of lipid content from oleaginous fungus Aspergillus sp. Maximum lipid yield of 73.07% (w/w) was achieved at 3% (v/v) inoculum volume, pH 5, glucose 1% (w/v), urea 0.5 % (w/v) and incubation time of 5 (days). Biomass (2.08 g/L) having a lipid content of 73.07 % (w/w) pith-rnajor constituents of hexadecanoic acid methyl ester and 9-Octadecenoic acid methyl ester were obtained. The lipid composition signifies that from the oleaginous microbe are highly encouraging and desirable to be considered as diesel substitute.