Characterization of Different Biomasses Based on Their Sugar Profile with Focus on Their Utilization for Microbial Biodiesel Production

Abstract

The investigation and characterization of different biomasses as potential feedstocks for microbial lipid production was the aim of the present work. Twenty-eight biomasses were analyzed for total sugar content (glucose and xylose) and C/N-ratio as two major criteria for a suitable lipid production by oleaginous microorganisms. Considering both parameters, 9 out of 28 biomasses seemed to be suitable feedstocks for microbial lipid production. To allow for a broad evaluation of the suitability of the potential feedstocks, the estimated sugar and potential energy yield per area were calculated and the production costs and energy demand of the feedstock production were considered.

Keywords:

• Lignocellulosic biomass
• Second generation biodiesel
• Oleaginous microorganisms
• Sugar content
• C/N-ratio