Abstract
The efficient use of hydrophobic substrates such as n-alkanes and fatty acids as carbon and energy sources is an important native ability of Yarrowia lipolytica. This review summarizes the crucial characteristics of Y. lipolytica, followed by the metabolic processes and regulatory mechanisms related to the utilization of alkane and non-alkane hydrophobic substrates, encompassing fatty acids, fatty acid methyl esters and triacylglycerols. This review also discusses novel and future applications of Y. lipolytica in bioremediation and the production of bio-based chemicals. Finally, this review provides corresponding summary and outlook, aiming to provide fresh guidance for research on the utilization of hydrophobic substrates for biotechnological applications based on the Y. lipolytica platform.