Advanced biofuel production and road to commercialization: An insight into bioconversion potential of Rhodosporidium sp.

In recent years, Rhodosporidium sp. has received significant interest in advanced biofuel production due to its ability to accumulate more than 60% lipid of their total dry cell weight. Moreover, it can thrive on a wide variety of substrates, has high inhibitor tolerance, and faster growth rate. Despite these advantages and based on current technological advancement, the true potential of Rhodosporidium sp. as a biofuel producer and its commercialization feasibility is still questionable. Thus, this review aims to illustrate the problems that are associated with Rhodosporidium sp. in the field of biofuel production. Apart from this, information regarding factors affecting lipid accumulation, and the role of genetic and metabolic engineering is presented. Additionally, the economic outlook of microbial lipid-derived using lignocellulosic biomass has also been reviewed. Drop-in oil production and its commercialization needs are discussed to bring Rhodosporidium sp. into the limelight and, eventually, to revolutionize the entire biofuel industry.