Modified Yeast with Enhanced Tolerance for GVL Biomass Solvent
Gamma-valerolactone (GVL) is an inexpensive solvent derived from biomass that can be used to break apart tough lignocellulose into fermentable sugars including xylose and glucose. GVL-based techniques are a potentially transformative breakthrough in biofuel production (for more information see WARF reference number P130123US01). Problematically, residual levels of GVL found in the sugar products are toxic to yeast, slowing the fermentation process. A solution needs to be found to achieve industrially relevant ethanol production.
UW–Madison researchers have developed a genetically modified strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae that is more resistant to GVL toxicity and grows more than 1.5 times faster than wild yeast in the presence of GVL. The researchers deleted two genes (Pad1p and Fdc1p) in the yeast that play a role in mediating GVL tolerance. The new strain is the first ethanol-producing yeast specifically tailored for GVL-based techniques.
- New strain shows increased tolerance for GVL.
- Boosts ethanol yields
- Able to ferment both xylose and glucose sugars
- Biomass depolymerization and fermentation is the first step in making a wide variety of biofuels and other products.
In the presence of GVL, the modified yeast grows 1.5 times faster than the wild type and completely ferments glucose in less time.
For current licensing status, please contact Mark Staudt at mstaudt@warf.org or (608) 265-3084.