Yeast Paves New Route to Biofuels

Scientists at The University of Manchester have identified the exact mechanism and structure of two key enzymes isolated from yeast that, together, provide a new, cleaner route to the production of hydrocarbons.

Professor David Leys, lead investigator of the study, try to determine how common yeast can produce kerosene-like odors when grown on food containing the preservative sorbic acid. They found that yeasts use an unknown form of vitamin B2 to support the production of hydrocarbons.

For this study, the researchers focused on the production of alpha-olefins, high value hydrocarbons that are key chemical intermediates in a variety of industrial applications including pipes, gear oils, detergents and lubricant additives. However, their results provide the basis for the development of new applications in biofuel production.