Optimization of Single Cell Oil Production from Bacillus subtilis TN1

Abstract

The aim of this research was to optimize the conditions for growth and oil production from Bacillus subtilis TN1, isolated from palm oil industry waste in southern of Thailand. The study found that the optimum conditions were 5% (w/v) of palm oil as a carbon source, using NaNO3 0.7% (w/v) as a nitrogen source. The initial pH was adjusted to 7.0, at room temperature (30±3°C) and 200 rpm. The result shown B. subtilis TN1 gave the highest oil production of 3.41 g/L and 59% (dry weight) for lipid and lipid content, respectively. Gas chromatography analysis revealed that lipids from B. subtilis TN1 contained four major constituent fatty acids were oleic acid, linoleic acid, lauric acid and palmitic acid that are comparable to conventional vegetable oil. Based on these compositional data, single cell oils or microbial lipids from B. subtilis TN1 are a potential alternative oil feedstock for biodiesel production.