Christopher M. Reddy, Tyler J. Goepfert, Catherine A. Carmichael, Benjamin A. S. Van Mooy, Gregory W. O’Neil, Nagwa G-E Mohammady, Connie Pui Ling Lau, and Scott R. Lindellf , Unusual lipids produced by marine microalgae of the genus Isochrysis: Their role in biofuels
Isochrysis sp. have many positives attributes for large-scale biodiesel production. These species and other prymnesiophyte (phylum Haptophyte) algae also produce an unusual group of lipids: polyunsaturated long-chain alkenones, alkenoates, and alkenes (PULCAs). We found that trace quantities of alkenones compromise the cold temperature properies of biodiesel blends as determined by their cloud point (CP). This finding underscores the importance of comprehensive studies on algal lipid composition while pursuing optimum production of biodiesel. However, Isochrysis sp. biomass or their oils, containing PULCAs, may be worth pursuing as precursors to other biofuels. |
