Utilization of glycerin byproduct derived from soybean oil biodiesel as a carbon source for heterologous protein production in Pichia pastoris

Abstract

Crude glycerol, also known as glycerin, is the main byproduct of the biodiesel industry. It has been estimated that up to 40,000 tons of glycerin will be produced each year by 2020. This study evaluated the value-added use of crude glycerol derived from soybean biodiesel preparation as a carbon source for heterologous protein production using the yeast Pichia pastoris. Eleven glycerin samples were obtained by methanolysis of soybean oil using different acids or bases as catalysts. Cell growth experiments showed that crude glycerol containing either potassium or sodium hydroxide resulted in 1.5-2 times higher final cell densities when compared to glycerol P.A. Finally, crude glycerol containing sodium hydroxide was successfully utilized for constitutive heterologous α-amylase production in P. pastoris. This study demonstrated that crude glycerol without any purification steps may be directly used as carbon source for protein production in P. pastoris.

Effect of Pyruvate Decarboxylase Knockout on Product Distribution Using Pichia pastoris (Komagataella phaffii) Engineered for Lactic Acid Production

“…It has, as its most notable physiological feature, the ability to grow in media containing only methanol as a carbon source [ 15 ]. Another advantage is that this yeast grows as fast on crude glycerol as on glucose [ 16 ], and can utilize crude glycerol without being inhibited by its impurities [ 17 ]. Crude glycerol is the main residue during biodiesel production.…”

Pichia pastoris — recombinant enzyme producent for environment treatment — review

“…As mentioned above, P. pastoris initial substrate is usually glycerol, which is mainly used as pure compound. However, several publications show that P. pastoris is also able to grow on industrial crude glycerol (Anastácio et al, 2014). It is a by-product of biodiesel production and in the last decades started to be an environmental burden (Bartocci et al, 2018).…”

Biodiesel production from free fatty acids and the effects of its blends with alcohol–diesel on engine characteristics

“…During this reaction called ''transesterification,'' fatty acids which are the constituents of fat molecules (triglyceride) react with alcohol to form esters (biodiesel). In the biodiesel production process, about 10 % crude glycerine is obtained as by-product (Anastacio et al 2014). Crude glycerine contains many impurities such as crude glycerine salts, alcohols, saponified fatty acids, and water and does not have any significant economic value.…”