Biotech Updates

University of East Anglia Specifies 5 Yeast Strains to Boost Ethanol Yields

April 15, 2015
http://www.biofuelsdigest.com/bdigest/2015/04/06/university-of-east-anglia-pinpoints-five-yeast-strains-to-boost-cellulosic-yields/

A new study of the University of East Anglia (UEA) specifies five strains of yeast capable of turning agricultural by-products, such as straw, sawdust, and corncobs, into bioethanol. Approximately more than 400 billion liters of bioethanol could be produced each year from crop by-products.

Breaking down agricultural waste has been difficult because many yeast strains necessary for fermentation are inhibited by compounds in the straw. Their toxic effects lead to reduced ethanol production. The team investigated more than 70 strains of yeast to find the most tolerant to furfural. They found five strains that showed resistance and produced the highest ethanol yield.

Of the five strains, Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCYC 3451 showed the greatest resistance. The strain is linked to the yeast used in Japanese rice wine Sake production.

"These strains represent good candidates for further research, development and use in bioethanol production," said Lead Researcher Dr. Tom Clarke of UEA's School of Biological Sciences.