Microbial lipids represent a promising source for the production of biodiesel, but also for food applications. Oleaginous yeast like Yarrowia lipolytica are able to accumulate up to 70% of their total weight in form of lipid droplets. It has been observed that the ratio of carbon to nitrogen in the cultivation medium has a decisive impact on the formation of microbial lipids.

The master thesis will focus on understanding the ideal cultivation conditions of Y. lipolytica for the production of microbial lipids. Chemostat cultivations will be carried out at different C/N-ratios. Samples from the cultivation will be subjected for total lipid analysis based on two distinct methods: flowcytometry and chloroform/methanol extraction.

The work will include:
 Chemostat cultivation of Y. lipolytica for the production of microbial lipids
 Flowcytometry analysis of cells containing lipid droplets stained with NileRed
 Determination of total lipid content via chloroform/methanol extraction

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious Master Student who wants to join our group and is interested in this topic!

Start: March/April 2017

If you are interested please contact:

Priv. Doz. Dr. Michael Sauer
Tel.: (+43) 1 / 47654-79105
e-mail: michael.sauer@boku.ac.at

Dr. Hans Marx
e-mail: hans.marx@boku.ac.at

Michael Egermeier
e-mail: michael.egermeier@boku.ac.at