Researcher converts biodiesel byproduct into omega-3 fatty acids

Abstract

The typical American diet often lacks omega-3 fatty acids despite clinical research that shows their potential human health benefits. Zhiyou Wen, assistant professor of biological systems engineering in Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, found a way to grow these compounds using a byproduct of the emerging biodiesel industry and presented his findings at the 236th national meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Philadelphia, Pa., on Aug. 21.