Abstract
γ-Linolenic acid (GLA) is an important n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) that has received considerable attention in both levels in human and animal feed. GLA is used in many nutritional and medicinal applications such as the treatment of cancer, inflammatory disorders, and diabetes. Currently, plant seed is the main dietary source of GLA that is not enough to utilize on an industrial scale. To generate a sustainable novel source of GLA, the gene of delta-6 desaturase, which is one of the important enzymes in the GLA production pathway was isolated from Mucor rouxii DSM1194 and expressed in Pichia pastoris GS115 by pPICZC vector. The recombinant yeast expressed the GLA up to 19.2% (72 mg/g) of total fatty acids. GLA production of recombinant yeast was studied in fermenter by oil waste along 5 days and results detected 6.3 g / l lipid and 103 mg/g GLA was produced in 72 hours. The present study may provide an opportunity for the development of an alternative host for manufacturing GLA on an industrial scale.