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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

Start Date

25/07/2006

Initial Projected Completion Date

25/11/2011