Bio-based chemicals from biorefining: Lipid and wax conversion and utilization

This chapter reviews current bio-based lipids and wax, the chemical and biological production routes, and their applications. Lipids comprise a variety of naturally occurring compounds, such as fats/oils (triglycerides), phospholipids, diglycerides, monoglycerides, steroids and waxes. Lipids and wax are currently produced from petroleum, as well as plants and animals. Many microorganisms, like bacteria, fungi and microalgae, can also accumulate large amount of lipids and waxes in their cell biomass. Their microbial synthesis is sustainable and the microbial-derived lipids and wax are compatible with the current petroleum-based products. Lipids and wax can be applied as nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals and fuels.