Effects of furfural on the growth and lipid production of oleaginous yeast Rhodotorula glutinis

Abstract:

In order to illustrate the effects of furfural, one of the most common inhibitory compounds in lignocellulosic hydrolysate, on oleaginous yeast Rhodotorula glutinis, we investigated the effects of different concentrations of furfural (0.1, 0.4, 0.6 and 1.5 g/L) on the biomass and lipid production of R. glutinis, as well as the effects of 1.0 g/L furfural on the utilization of glucose and xylose. Results showed that: when the furfural concentration reached 1.5 g/L, the lag phrase time was extended to 96 h, and the residual glucose was up to 17.7 g/L, with maximum biomass of only 6.6 g/L, which accounted for 47% of that in the basic medium (furfural-free), and the corresponding lipid content was reduced about 50%. Furfural showed lighter inhibitory degree on R. glutinis when xylose acted as the carbon source than glucose was the carbon source; more C18 fatty acids or unsaturated C18 fatty acids were generated in the presence of furfural.