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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania » Eastern Regional Research Center » Sustainable Biofuels and Co-products Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #383985
Research Project: Chemical Conversion of Biomass into High Value Products

Location: Sustainable Biofuels and Co-products Research

Title: Sustainable production of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA)

Author
item HUSSAIN, SYED - Oak Ridge Institute For Science And Education (ORISE)
item Sarker, Majher

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/13/2021
Publication Date: 10/27/2021
Citation: Hussain, S.A., Sarker, M.I. 2021. Sustainable production of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA). In: Sarker, M.I., Liu, L., Yadav, M.P. Yosief, H.O., Hussain, S.A., editors. Conversion of Renewable Biomass into Bioproducts. Volume 1392. ACS Symposium Series. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society. p. 119-138.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Microbial oils have proposed a platform to face the challenges related to food security, global warming, and paucity of non-renewable resources. Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) and their derivatives demonstrate a C8 to C12 chain-length and are engaged in the biosynthesis of premium quality biofuels. These MCFAs also participate in a noteworthy role as promising ingredients for the various biochemical, oleochemical, and nutraceutical industries, for example, the development of detergents, surfactants, bioplasticizers, lubricants, adhesives, perfumes, and precursors for flavor and floral aromas. Also, MCFAs offer uncomplicated assimilation, swift translocation to the liver via the portal veins, and quick metabolism through the ß-oxidation pathway, eventually elevating diet-triggered thermogenesis. This system has facilitated the potential for the prevention and management of diverse metabolic disorders, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, type-II diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Even so, the profusion of naturally produced MCFAs from plant sources is projected to be inadequate to cover the industrial requirement. Therefore, current spotlight has been diverted towards the de novo biosynthesis of MCFAs from diverse oleaginous microorganisms such as Mucor circinelloides, which have been genetically manipulated and optimized the culture conditions to overproduce MCFAs.