Yarrowia lipolytica oleochemicals based on odd chain fatty acids – YaLiOl

One of the promising alternatives that can substitute fossil resources is the use of microbial oils. The strategies that can reduce their production costs include the engineering of high value-added fatty acids, the fermentation on a low-cost carbon substrate, and the transformation of oils into higher-value products. In this context, the YaLiOl project aims to propose a new oleochemical route based on odd-chain fatty acids (OCFA) produced by the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica. The core objectives of this project consist of 1) engineering Y. lipolytica for the production of OCFA, 2) the development of a fermentation medium based on sugar beet molasses, and 3) the recovery of OCFA, their characterization and their transformation into oleochemical derivatives for viscosity modifiers of lubricants and thermal energy storage. Pilot-scale production of oil and odd fatty acid esters will help rounding-up the financial study.