CABBI researchers genetically engineer yeast to boost biochemical production
In Illinois, a team at the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) genetically engineered yeast to allow for the simultaneous transport of multiple sugars. Native yeast sugar transporters have a strong glucose preference and create a bottleneck for efficient biochemical and biofuel production. These transporters were replaced by SWEET7P in engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae capable of fermenting xylose. This new strain successfully co-fermented glucose, mannose, fructose, and xylose in experiments with synthetic and industrial (sugarcane) media. Notably, the new strain also enables the utilization of xylitol, a common byproduct that is typically unusable by yeast. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses uncovered reprogramming of central carbon metabolism and less glucose preference.
For the bioeconomy, this represents a major leap in efficiency. This accomplishment allows simultaneous sugar conversion in complex feedstocks and more efficient utilization of industrial byproducts. Enabling rapid, more efficient conversion of complex biomass crops through this approach may reduce fermentation time, minimize byproduct waste, and lower operational costs when producing biofuels and biochemicals.
Category: Research
