Production of highly unsaturated fatty acids using agro-processing by-products

Abstract

The South African agro-processing industry generates millions of tons of cereal derived by-products annually. The by-products from biofuel production are expected to increase these volumes dramatically. Highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are essential to regulate the immune, cardiovascular, digestive and neurological systems in mammals. These fatty acids have to be included in mammal and fish diets. The main aim dietary source of HUFA is marine fish oil, but there are concerns over the sustainability of fish sources as demand for crude fish oil for the aquaculture industry increases. This research utilised agro-processing by-products (brewers'spent grain, soya oilcake and sunflower press cake) as fungal growth substrates for the production of HUFA. The CSIR researchers have discovered that biodiesel waste can sustain fish as well.