Combined utilization of lipase-displaying Pichia pastoris whole-cell biocatalysts to improve biodiesel production in co-solvent media

► Very cost-effective lipase-displaying whole cells were used as biocatalyst. ► Combined use of displayed lipases and co-solvents significantly improved reaction. ► Effects of combined use of displayed lipases and co-solvents were studied. ► High methyl ester yields were obtained from various feedstock including waste oils. ► Lipase-displaying whole-cells exhibited very good operation and storage stability.