A brief overview is provided of the microbial oils (single cell oils - SCOs) that have been, or are still being, produced commercially. Oils rich in gamma-linolenic acid (18:3 n-6), arachidonic acid (20:4 n-6), eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3) are covered. The prospects of using other SCOs for biofuels are discussed with the conclusion that it is highly unlikely that algae will provide oils that are competitive with alternative sources of fatty acids.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Colin Ratledge (2013) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: