Production of commercial biodiesel from genetically modified microorganisms

Abstract

The invention provides a fermentation and recovery process for the production of biodiesel of commercial grade quality according to commercial and environmental standards (e.g., ASTM ANP, or EPA trace elements and emissions standards), by fermentation of carbohydrates using a genetically modified microorganism. The process provides a direct route for the production of fatty esters, without the need for producing oils which are later chemically transesterified with the concomitant production of large quantities of glycerin and other undesirable side-products.

1 . A composition produced by a microorganism, wherein the composition comprises one or more fatty esters. 
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises less than or equal to about 10 mg/kg of calcium and magnesium combined. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises less than or equal to about 500 ppm of sulfur. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 3 , wherein the composition comprises less than or equal to about 15 ppm of sulfur. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises less than or equal to about 0.02 wt. % of sulfated ash. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises less than or equal to about 0.05 vol. % of water and sediment. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises less than or equal to about 0.02 wt. % of free glycerin. 
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises less than or equal to about 0.38 wt. % of total glycerin. 
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition has a kinematic viscosity of about 1.9 mm2/s or more. 
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition has a kinematic viscosity of about 6 mm2/s or less. 
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition has a kinematic viscosity of about 1.9 mm2/s to about 6 mm2/s. 
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition has an acid number of less than or equal to about 0.8 mg KOH/g. 
     
     
         13 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises less than or equal to about 10 mg/kg of phosphorous. 
     
     
         14 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises less than or equal to about 10 mg/kg sodium and potassium combined. 
     
     
         15 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition has a cetane number of about 47 or more. 
     
     
         16 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition has an oxidation stability of about 3 hours or more. 
     
     
         17 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition has a cloud point of about 10° C. or less. 
     
     
         18 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises less than or equal to about 24 mg/kg of contaminants in the middle distillates. 
     
     
         19 .- 42 . (canceled) 
     
     
         43 . A biofuel composition produced by a microorganism, wherein the composition comprises one or more fatty esters. 
     
     
         44 . (canceled) 
     
     
         45 . A biofuel composition produced by a microorganism, wherein the composition comprises one or more fatty esters, and further comprising one or more fuel additives selected from: engine performance additives, detergents, dispersants, antiwear agents, viscosity index modifiers, friction modifiers, antioxidants, rust inhibitors, antifoaming agents, seal fixes, lubricity additives, pour point depressants, cloud point reducers, smoke suppressants, drag reducing additives, metal deactivators, biocides and demulsifiers. 
     
     
         46 . (canceled)