https://doi.org/10.17113/ftb.64.01.26.9268

Article in press

Dual-Target Bioprocessing Using Oleaginous Microorganisms: Converting Food Waste into Lipids and Biopolymers

Zahra Montazer^1* and Kianoush Khosravi-Darani²

¹Department of Health and Quality Control, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

²Department of Food Technology Research, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology/National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Copyright © 2024 This is a Diamond Open Access article published under CC-BY licence. Copyright remains with the authors, who grant third parties the unrestricted right to use, copy, distribute and reproduce the article as long as the original author(s) and source are acknowledged.

Article history:

Received: 14 July 2025

Accepted: 9 January 2026

Keywords:

oleaginous microorganisms; single cell oils (SCOs); polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs); food waste conversion; integrated bioprocessing

Summary:

The increasing demand for sustainable alternatives to fossil-derived fuels and plastics has intensified research into microbial platforms that can convert abundant waste resources into valuable products. This review focuses on the emerging field of dual-target bioprocessing using oleaginous microorganisms to produce single-cell oils (SCOs) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from food waste. We discuss key microbial strains, alongside their metabolic pathways, co-production capabilities, and substrate preferences. Emphasis is placed on utilizing food waste as a low-cost and carbon-rich feedstock, thereby enhancing both economic feasibility and environmental sustainability. We also analyzed some integrated bioprocess strategies devised to overcome existing challenges, such as yield optimization and metabolic bottlenecks. This dual-production platform addresses the principles of circular economy, facilitating the conversion of waste into high-value bioproducts.