Two-stage fermentation for converting waste CO2 into omega-3 fatty acids and biodiesel

Title : Two-stage fermentation for converting waste CO2 into omega-3 fatty acids and biodiesel

Abstract:

This work introduces a novel two-stage continuous fermentation process for converting industrial waste CO₂ into omega-3 fatty acids and biodiesel. In the first anaerobic stage, bacteria convert CO₂ into acetic acid (~3%), which acts as an intermediate carbon source. In the second aerobic stage, a marine oleaginous microalga developed in our laboratory utilizes this acetate to produce biomass and lipids. The system achieved high productivity 80 g/L/day of biomass, 25 g/L/day of DHA and 40% lipid content in cell dry weight. Continuous biomass separation and liquid recycling enabled zero liquid discharge, enhancing process sustainability. By using CO₂-derived acetate instead of costly sugars, this integrated process offers a low-cost, eco-friendly and scalable route for producing high-value biofuels and nutraceuticals, contributing to carbon mitigation and circular bioeconomy development.

Keywords: Lipids, CO₂ Sequestration, Omega 3 fatty acids, biomass

Biography:

Dr Preeti Mehta Kakkar is Assistant Professor of Centre of Bioprocess and Biochemical, at Amity University, Noida, India. She worked as research leader for more than 10 years at DBT-IOC, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Faridabad, India. She and her lab integrated gas fermentation with aerobic process and developed novel two stage integrated pilot scale bioprocess approaches for the production of green, sustainable biobased fuels, nutraceuticals i.e. omega 3 fatty acids, carotenoids, antioxidants etc using renewable bioresources such as waste raw materials, waste flu gas, algae, yeast, bacteria, protists, in the “Circular Bioeconomy” concepts. They work closely with industries worldwide and their R&D work has now ready for scale up for demonstration. With her experience and background skills, she had been privileged to work at international labs under award of prestigious Endeavour Post Doctoral by Australian Government in the year 2018. She has 28+ publications in peer reviewed journals with 4 granted international patents, several awards/fellowships to her credit.