Effects of inorganic nitrogen addition to okara-utilized medium on the oleaginous yeast Lipomyces starkeyi and assessment of metabolism involved in increased oil production

The use of okara medium supplemented with ammonium sulfate can reduce the cost of nitrogen source materials to a level of several percentages of that of conventional yeast extract medium, presenting the possibility of inexpensive oil production by L. starkeyi. In addition, the dual roles of ammonium sulfate in enhancing oil production were proposed. Furthermore, this is the first study to confirm the relationship between an enhanced glutathione synthesis pathway and increased oil production by L. starkeyi. These findings provide a foundation for the further development of sustainable and economically viable microbial oil production bioprocesses.