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Project Code [2006-PhD-ET-5]
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Project title
Biomass to Bio-fuel: Generation of Cellulose-based Biomass Degrading Strains of Brewery Yeasts.
Primary Funding Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD)
Lead Applicant
Ursula Bond
Project Abstract
The generation of micro-organisms capable of degrading biomass is an important goal in the search for alternative sources of energy in an era of declining non-renewable oil supplies. We propose to develop a brewery yeast-based biomass to bio-ethanol conversion system. At the heart of the concept is the centuries old brewing technology where selected strains of yeast ferment simple sugars to ethanol. However these yeasts lack the necessary enzymes to breakdown complex cellulose to simple sugars. Cellulolytic enzymes have been identified in other fungi. We plan to introduce three such genes into a novel stress-resistant strain of brewery yeast which generates high ethanol yields. The transgenic strain will be used under brewing conditions in a cellulose-based media to produce ethanol.
Grant Approved
�90,000.00
Research Hub
Green and Circular Economy
Research Theme
Waste and Resources Management
Initial Projected Completion Date
25/11/2011