A team of scientists from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has made a significant breakthrough in the production of bioethanol, a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels. The researchers have developed an innovative approach to prevent bacterial contamination, which can significantly reduce the efficiency and profitability of ethanol production.
The ARS team, led by research microbiologist Shao-Yeh Lu, has modified baker’s yeast to produce an enzyme called endolysin on its surface. This enzyme kills or inhibits the growth of the bacteria that can contaminate the fermentation process. In laboratory trials, the modified yeast reduced the presence of bacteria by 85%, resulting in a 40% increase in ethanol production.
The use of genetically modified yeast to produce endolysin is a more cost-effective approach than adding bulk amounts of the enzyme to contaminated corn mash. Additionally, this method eliminates the need for antibiotics, which can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The development of this innovative approach has significant implications for the bioethanol industry. With over 187 ethanol biorefinery plants nationwide, producing over 17 billion gallons of ethanol annually, reducing bacterial contamination can have a significant impact on efficiency and profitability. The ARS team’s research could provide a sustainable solution for the industry, allowing for increased production and reduced costs.
According to Lu, “Modifying yeast to produce endolysin is likely to be more cost-effective than adding bulk amounts of the enzyme to contaminated corn mash.” Additional research is needed to fully validate the potential commercial use of this technology, but if successful, it could offer an alternative to antibiotics or other costly chemical cleansers.
The breakthrough research was published in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology and highlights the ARS’s commitment to developing innovative solutions for the agriculture and biofuels industries.
