Yeast–microalgae co-cultures for wastewater remediation and co-production of carotenoids and biolubricants
摘要
Scalable platforms that simultaneously remediate wastewater and produce high-value lipids and pigments are in high demand. This synthesis, which is guided by only the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses, evaluates yeast–microalgae co-culture systems developed (developed during 2014–2024, with select 2025 advances) for co-production of biolubricants, carotenoids, and wastewater treatment, with the emphasis on pilot evidence, techno-economic analysis, life-cycle assessment, and scalable operating levers. Given the shared status of cyanobacteria and eukaryotic microalgae as aquatic, oxygenic phototrophs with similar cultivation and downstream requirements, cyanobacteria such as Arthrospira are often grouped within “microalgae” in some studies. In this study, distinctions are made where relevant. The highest lipid productivity was reported 4.03 g L⁻1 d⁻1 (18.15 g L⁻1) in the co-culture Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosum–Chlorella pyrenoidosa; peak COD removal was 95.34 ± 0.07% within 5 d in Rhodosporidium toruloides– Chlorella pyrenoidosa under sequential inoculation in real wastewater; and the top carotenoid titer was 2.49 mg g⁻1 in Rhodotorula kratochvilovae–Desmodesmus quadricauda. Biolubricant suitability tracks fatty acid partitioning: higher monounsaturated fatty acids improve rheothermal behavior and cold flow; polyunsaturated fatty acids require stabilization; saturated fatty acids strengthen films but raise the pour point. Co-culture gains stem from O2 to CO2 exchange and metabolite cross-feeding, but scaling is constrained by harvesting energy and light/CO2 delivery. Priorities: standardize reporting and benchmarks; control gas exchange/redox; integrate energy-aware reactors and harvesting; and run ≥ 1,000-L pilots under harmonized techno-economic analysis/life-cycle assessment boundaries.
Graphical abstract