Mucor circinelloides: a model organism for oleaginous fungi and its potential applications in bioactive lipid production

Microbial oils have gained massive attention because of their significant role in industrial applications. Currently plants and animals are the chief sources of medically and nutritionally important fatty acids. However, the ever-increasing global demand for polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) cannot be met by the existing sources. Therefore microbes, especially fungi, represent an important alternative source of microbial oils being investigated. Mucor circinelloides-an oleaginous filamentous fungus, came to the forefront because of its high efficiency in synthesizing and accumulating lipids, like gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in high quantity. Recently, mycelium of M. circinelloides has acquired substantial attraction towards it as it has been suggested as a convenient raw material source for the generation of biodiesel via lipid transformation. Although M. circinelloides accumulates lipids naturally, metabolic engineering is found to be important for substantial increase in their yields. Both modifications of existing pathways and re-formation of biosynthetic pathways in M. circinelloides have shown the potential to improve lipid levels. In this review, recent advances in various important metabolic aspects of M. circinelloides have been discussed. Furthermore, the potential applications of M. circinelloides in the fields of antioxidants, nutraceuticals, bioremediation, ethanol production, and carotenoids like beta carotene and astaxanthin having significant nutritional value are also deliberated.

Automated summary

Microbial oils, especially those produced by the fungus Mucor circinelloides, have gained significant attention for their potential use in various industrial applications. The high efficiency of M. circinelloides in synthesizing and accumulating lipids, combined with its ability to be genetically engineered for increased yields, makes it a promising alternative source of fatty acids. In addition to its potential as a biodiesel raw material, M. circinelloides has shown promise in fields such as antioxidants, nutraceuticals, bioremediation, and carotenoid production.