Biomass-Based Proven Techniques for MediumChain Fatty Acids: Innovative Methods

Acid fermentation for the generation of mediumchain fatty acids (MCFA) through mixed culture is an alternative that has a high potentital for high-value biomaterials production. It has been studied with greater concurrence in recent years, obtaining promising results in the pharmaceutical industry and biorefineries. This has created a circular economy by using biomass from distilleries, livestock waste, food waste, and organic sludge. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate the state of the art of producing medium-chain fatty acids from biomass. During this acid fermentation process, electron donors are needed to promote chain elongation pathways, such as β-reverse oxidation, fatty acid synthesis, or other pathways, such as maintaining a high intracellular concentration of acetyl-Coenzyme A. On the other hand, emphasis is made on improved processes to produced medium-chain fatty acids, such as microbial electrolysis, metabolic engineering techniques, the use of new enzymes, and the effect of various carbon sources to increase microbial activity. The results were compared to control samples achieving higher MCFA concentration. The use of biomass for the generation of MCFA for chemical and pharmaceutical products, as well as for biorefining, is an innovative and constantly advancing application.