Abstract
BACKGROUND: Third generation biodiesel processing from microbial lipids using low-cost lignocellulosic feedstocks has attracted much attention. Endophytes isolated from oleaginous plants possibly have the capacity to accumulate lipids similar to the hosts. However, little work has been reported in terms of endophytic bacteria isolation from oleaginous plants and their lipid production using lignocellulosic hydrolysate as substrate. RESULTS: A new oleaginous endophyte HB1310 has been isolated from the thin-shelled walnut, and identified as Bacillus subtilis on the basis of both 16S rDNA gene sequencing and examination of its physiological and biochemical properties. This strain effectively accumulates cellular lipids using cotton stalk hydrolysate as a substrate. The optimum C/N ratio, culture temperature, and pH value were determined to be 50/1, 30°C, and 6.5, respectively. Batch fermentation was conducted in a bioreactor using these parameters. Satisfactory production, with a maximum lipid productivity of 2.3 g/L, lipid content of 39.8% (w/w), and cell dry weight (CDW) of 5.7 g/L, was obtained at a culture time of 48 h. Variations in the fluorescent intensity and lipid inclusion formation of cells collected at different sampling times illustrate the potential of this bacterium to be useful for cellular lipid production. The fatty acid profile of the produced bacterial lipids showed that the major constituents are myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids with an estimated cetane number of about 61.8, indicating that this strain may be suitable for biodiesel production. CONCLUSIONS: The present investigation is the first report of an oleaginous endophytic bacterium isolated from the thin-shelled walnut. This strain is capable of producing high lipid contents rapidly using cotton stalk hydrolysate as a substrate, and its lipids are suitable for use as the feedstock for biodiesel production.