Acetate-enhanced polymerized triacylglycerol utilization by Mucor circinelloides

Abstract  We found that laboratory-prepared sunflower oil waste containing polymerized triacylglycerols (PTAGs) still within South African regulatory levels (i.e. 1, 5, 10 and 15% w/w) is effectively degraded by the fungus Mucor circinelloidesin the presence of acetate. Poor utilization was experienced in its absence. These results suggest that fungi could be used in oil waste removal, while at the same time biomass, rich in essential fatty acids such as linoleic and gamma-linolenic acid is produced.