Potential of mucorales fungi in biodiesel production: Lipid profile and biochemical parameters of isolated species in the Brazilian Semiarid Region

The growing demand for sustainable energy and the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels have intensified interest in microbial oils as alternative sources of biodiesel, especially those derived from lipid-rich fungi. We hypothesize that Mucorales species isolated from the Brazilian semi-arid region possess high lipid accumulation capacity and fatty acid profiles, as well as biochemical parameters favorable for the produce of high-quality biodiesel. Seventeen fungal species were isolated from herbivore dung collected in the semiarid region of Pernambuco, Brazil. Strains exhibiting lipid accumulation exceeding 20% of their dry cell weight were selected and classified as oleaginous microorganisms. The fatty acid profile revealed a predominance of saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated (MUFA) fatty acids, particularly palmitic acid (C16:0) and oleic acid (C18:1), which are essential for producing high-quality biodiesel. Isolates from species such as Rhizopus arrhizus var. arrhizus , Mucor ramosissimus , and Cunninghamella echinulata stood out for their balanced performance, exhibiting characteristics that meet the standards required by EN 14214 and ASTM D6751. The biochemical parameters evaluated—cetane number, density, and viscosity—were consistent with international biodiesel standards, supporting the potential of microbial oils as viable renewable sources for industrial applications. These findings position Mucorales fungi as sustainable and competitive alternatives for biodiesel production, contributing to the reduction of fossil fuel dependence and the valorization of agro-industrial residues. • Mucorales species from dry forests in Brazil accumulate competitive lipids for biodiesel production. • Saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated (MUFA) fatty acids, especially palmitic acid (C16:0) and oleic acid (C18:1), are crucial for high-quality biodiesel production. • Mucorales fungi as sustainable and low-cost platforms for biodiesel production.