Influence of culture conditions on lipid production by Candida sp. LEB-M3 using glycerol from biodiesel synthesis

•We selected significant variables in the production of lipids and in the growth of Candida sp. LEB-M3 on glycerol from biodiesel.•Cultivation at 23 °C promoted the highest concentration of lipids.•The lipid profiles for the different growth temperatures were similar.

The goal of this work was to use glycerol produced from biodiesel synthesis to grow Candida sp. LEB-M3 and select significant variables of culture conditions on lipid production. This yeast was isolated from a Brazilian biome which showed capacity to accumulate up to 55% lipids (w/w) and convert about 43% of glycerol into lipids. Production and lipid profile at different growth temperatures were studied. The experimental design showed that glycerol, FeCl3·6H2O, yeast hydrolyzate and temperature were significant on the lipid production. Cultivation at 23 °C promoted the highest concentration of lipids about 9.9 g/L. However, the lipid profiles for the different growth temperatures were similar, with high concentrations of linoleic acid (C18:2) (∼45–55%) and smaller amount of gamma linolenic acid (C18:3) (∼2–5%), both essential fatty acids, leading to the conclusion that lipid produced by Candida sp. LEB-M3 has potential to be used both as a feedstock for biodiesel production or as a source for essential fatty acids.