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Understanding and Harnessing the Robustness of Undomesticated Yarrowia lipolytica Strains for Biosynthesis of Designer Bioesters


EMSL Project ID
50384

Abstract

The goal of this proposed research is to elucidate and harness the exceptional robustness of the novel, undomesticated Yarrowia lipolytica isolates from genetic diversity screening as a bioenergy microbial platform for efficient conversion of undetoxified biomass hydrolysates into designer bioesters. By leveraging tremendous capabilities of genomics and molecular characterization at JGI and EMSL, we take a holistic approach to illuminate the underlying mechanisms of 1) how Y. lipolytica tolerates and effectively assimilates inhibitory biomass hydrolysates for superior lipid accumulation under hypoxic conditions, 2) how Y. lipolytica can tolerate organic solvents that is beneficial to produce biofuels/bioproducts in a two-phase fermentation system, and 3) and how Y. lipolytica endogenously degrade lipids and produce esters with broad applications as fuels, solvents, flavors, and fragrances. Harnessing the robustness of Y. lipolytica, we will examine an unconventional route to produce desirable bioesters, which avoids multiple down-stream chemical reaction and separation steps while intact cells can be recycled and later used as a value-added bioproduct. Success of the proposed research not only generates substantial fundamental knowledge for understanding and harnessing exceptional robustness of Y. lipolytica as a bioenergy microbial platform but also advances the microbial conversion technology to produce a diverse class of biofuels/bioproducts from lignocellulosic biomass.

Project Details

Project type
FICUS Research
Start Date
2018-10-01
End Date
2022-09-30
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Cong Trinh
Institution
University of Tennessee

Team Members

Caleb Walker
Institution
University of Tennessee

Patricia Slininger
Institution
United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service

Bruce Dien
Institution
United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service