Production of medium-chain fatty acids from biomass: A review (#1042)

Authors

Ramírez Salado, Joisleen

Rodríguez, Génesis

James, Arthur

Dessì, Paolo

Abstract

Acid fermentation for the generation of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) through mixed culture is an alternative that is still under continuous study. It has been studied with greater concurrence in recent years, obtaining promising results in producing products for the pharmaceutical industry and biorefineries. This has contributed to creating a circular economy by using biomass from distilleries, livestock waste, food waste, and organic sludge. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate the state of the art of producing medium-chain fatty acids from biomass. During this acid fermentation process, electron donors are important to promote chain elongation pathways, such as β-reverse oxidation, fatty acid synthesis, or other pathways, such as maintaining a high intracellular concentration of acetyl-Coenzyme A. On the other hand, emphasis is made on different improvement processes in producing medium-chain fatty acids, such as microbial electrolysis, metabolic engineering techniques, exploitation of new enzymes, and the effect of various carbon sources. With these techniques, improved results were obtained compared to control samples. Using biomass for the generation of MCFA for chemical and pharmaceutical products, as well as for biorefining, is an innovative and constantly advancing application.