FATTY ACIDS FROM MICROALGAE: TARGETING THE ACCUMULATION OF TRIACYLGLYCERIDES

LEONARDI, P; SCODELARO BILBAO, P; SALVADOR GABRIELA

Fatty Acids

Intech

Año: 2017; p. 119 - 141

Microalgae were originally considered as sources of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), mainly for aquaculture purposes. However, in the last decade, some species of microalgae surged as promising feedstocks to produce biofuels since their fatty acids (FA), stored as triacylglycerides (TAG), can be converted into biodiesel through a transesterification reaction. Thus, elucidation of microalgae FA and TAG metabolic pathways is being a cutting-edge field for developing transgenic algal strains with improved lipid accumulation ability. In addition, microalgae can produce many high-value biomolecules that could also be exploited. In this chapter, we will describe recent advances in the knowledge of microalgae FA and TAG pathways. Specifically, we will focus on the description of the enzymes involved in FA and TAG synthesis, their accumulation in lipid droplets and their degradation. Potential value-added products that could be obtained from microalgae will be also mentioned. Possible molecular targets for enhancing FA and TAG production will be outlined. In addition, information regarding microalgae transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics of the above-mentioned pathways will be also summarized. Understanding the relation between anabolic and catabolic lipid enzyme pathways will provide new insights to produce biodiesel and other valuable biomolecules obtained from microalgae