Studies on Selected Plants and Microbes with Special Reference to Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

and PUFAs values were analysed. Strain
improvement by mutagenesis and optimization of culture conditions for higher
oil and PUFAs yields were carried out. Fat Producing medium favoured the
growth, biomass build up and lipid production than the normal cultivation
medium (PDB). Similarly, nitrogen limiting medium favoured more PUFAs
content in the total lipid than nitrogen non limiting medium. The culture was
subjected to UV and EMS mutagenesis and 21 putative mutants were obtained.
Three selective mutants possessed more lipid and GLA contents. The
supercritical CO2 extractions of avocado pulp oil and watermelon seed oil
improved the oil yields, showed higher concentrations of PUFAs and are free
from any solvent impurities. These quality oils were used for o/w emulsion
preparations to serve as stabilized nutraceutical products. Also produced were
ready to eat emulsion gels to be used in several food products in the form of
thermo set gels, slurries, batters, disperses, solutions and emulsions which form
a delivery system that can be eaten for health benefits. Thus the importance and
utilization values of the w-6 and w-3 fatty acids from selected plant materials
and a microbial source have been explored biotechnologically throughout the
study.