Microbial oils: an introductory overview of current status and future prospects

A brief overview is provided of the microbial oils (single cell oils - SCOs) that have been, or are still being, produced commercially. Oils rich in gamma-linolenic acid (18:3 n-6), arachidonic acid (20:4 n-6), eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3) are covered. The prospects of using other SCOs for biofuels are discussed with the conclusion that it is highly unlikely that algae will provide oils that are competitive with alternative sources of fatty acids.