Yeast Mold Leads to New Biofuel Production

Jun-21-15 Using enzymes from yeast mold, researchers have opened the door to a way of creating hydrocarbons without oil, providing a more eco-friendly alternative to current processing methods.

The team, from the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB), developed the technology by identifying the mechanism of two enzymes isolated from yeast molds. Using a previously unknown form of B2, the molds support the production of volatile hydrocarbons as well as synthesis of vitamin Q10.

In order to better understand the actions of the molds, the team from MIB used the Diamond synchrotron from Harwell to delve into the catalytic process at the atomic level. In doing so, they learned that the natural process of the molds is similar to the procedure used during chemical synthesis in the lab. According to Professor David Leys, “The insights from this research offer the possibility of circumventing current industrial processes which are reliant on scarce natural resources."

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