Method of modifying a yeast cell for the production of ethanol

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a method for genetically modifying yeast cells to produce more ethanol and less glycerol during fermentation. Specifically, it reduces the activity of the Gpd1 and/or Gpd2 proteins, which are involved in glycerol biosynthesis, using techniques like weak promoters, antisense RNA, protein antagonists, mutations, or inhibitors. The level of Gpd1 and Gpd2 activity is carefully minimized, not fully eliminated, to avoid impairing yeast growth and to maximize ethanol yield.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Bioethanol production from plant biomass as renewable fuel (biofuels).
• Industrial fermentation processes where higher ethanol yield is desired (e.g., alcoholic beverages such as spirits).
• Processes requiring yeast strains with low glycerol output to reduce downstream purification costs.
• Biorefineries converting agricultural wastes or crop residues into ethanol.
• Research in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology focused on optimizing yeast fermentation pathways.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Increases ethanol yield and productivity from the same amount of sugar or biomass.
• Reduces glycerol by-product formation, improving cost-efficiency of downstream processes (distillation, purification).
• Maintains normal yeast growth and robustness, even under industrial fermentation conditions.
• Decreases waste volume and potential equipment fouling due to lower glycerol levels in fermentation broths.
• Applicable to a wide range of yeast species and industrial strains, increasing flexibility for biofuel manufacturers.
• Offers multiple genetic or chemical approaches for reducing target enzyme activity, providing implementation flexibility.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method of modifying a yeast cell for the production of ethanol. According to the invention, the activity of the Gpd1 protein and/or the Gpd2 protein is reduced.