Enhanced palm oil-derived sophorolipid production from yeast to generate biodegradable plastic precursors

Sophorolipids (SLs) extracted from the yeast Starmerella display unique structural features, including hydroxy fatty acids (HFAs), a polymer building block for the synthesis of bioplastics. Key to the success of commercializing SL biosurfactants is the use of low-cost agricultural residues or by-products of industrial crops as substrate. We aimed to optimize culture medium composition to increase the production of fermentative palm oil-derived SLs by S. riodocensis and the industrially relevant S. bombicola via Box-Behnken design. Altering the concentration and ratio of carbon and nitrogen sources enhanced SL yields. High concentrations (27.87-30.78 g/L) were achieved using 50 g/L glucose and palm oil co-substrates, and yeast extract. After scale-up, SL yields were increased by 35-43%; the product contained acetic and lactonic forms. The HFA composition was determined mainly as 17-hydroxy oleic acid (42.91-45.94%), followed by 15-hydroxy palmitic acid (35.74-38.34%). Increased yeast SL production will contribute to the successful development of HFA-based bioplastics and biochemicals in the near future.

Automated summary

This study aimed to optimize culture medium composition to increase the production of fermentative palm oil-derived Sophorolipids (SLs) by S. riodocensis and S. bombicola. The researchers achieved high SL yields by altering the concentration and ratio of carbon and nitrogen sources, and scaling up the production increased yields by 35-43%. Increased SL production will contribute to the development of HFA-based bioplastics and biochemicals in the future.