Biocatalytic Conversion of Rendered Animal Fats to Value Added Products including Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Date: September 8, 2017

Principal Investigators: Mark A. Blenner, Clemson University

Keywords: Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Animal Fats

Summary:

The primary objective of this proposal is to engineer the yeast, Yarrowia lipolytica, to grow on rendered animal fats, and serve as a platform for the production of value-added products, including omega-3 fatty acids and fatty alcohols. This is the second phase of the proposal funded in 2014 with the same title. We are engineering Y. lipolytica for funneling rendered animal fats into pathways for biosynthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) found in fish oils. We are demonstrating the feasibility of producing omega-3 oils using fatty substrates. Specifically, we are producing lipids rich in the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) – one of the most important omega-3 found in fish oil. We are also demonstrating the feasibility of producing other oleochemicals, such as fatty alcohols.

 

Objectives: The overall objective of this project is to enable a bioprocess for converting saturated and monounsaturated animal fats into polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the major omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil. A second overall objective is to demonstrate the production of fatty alcohols from rendered animal fats.

The specific objectives of this proposal are:

1. Introduce the entire EPA producing enzymes into Y. lipolytica.
2. Improve direct utilization of rendered fats conversion by Y. lipolytica.
3. Engineer fatty alcohol synthesis by Y. lipolytica.

 

The expected outcomes of this proposal include a non-pathogenic yeast strain capable of converting rendered fats into EPA and fatty alcohol production.