Inactivated Yeast Product for Ethanol Fermentation Yield
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of enzymes in the fermentation process for producing fuel ethanol, such as alpha-amylase and glucoamylase, and the need for additional yeast nutrients to support yeast growth and robustness in harsh fermentation conditions, which can be costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating inactivated yeast products, including recombinant yeast cells expressing heterologous enzymes like alpha-amylase and glucoamylase, into the fermentation medium to enhance enzyme activity and nutrient supply, thereby improving ethanol yield and reducing enzyme dosage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If exogenous purified enzymes (alpha-amylase and glucoamylase) are added to the fermentation process, then starch hydrolysis efficiency is improved, but production cost increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single yeast cell system. The yeast is engineered to simultaneously perform starch hydrolysis (through expressed alpha-amylase and glucoamylase enzymes) and fermentation, replacing the need for separate exogenous enzyme additions and reducing overall enzyme dosage requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The modified yeast cell serves multiple purposes: it acts as both the fermenting organism and the source of hydrolytic enzymes. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate enzyme treatments and reduces the total enzyme dosage needed in the process
2Reliability
If yeast nutrients are added to support yeast growth and robustness in harsh fermentation conditions, then fermentation reliability is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The yeast cells are genetically modified to produce their own hydrolytic enzymes internally, eliminating their dependence on exogenous enzyme additions. This self-sufficiency reduces the need for additional nutrient and enzyme dosing while maintaining fermentation reliability
3Productivity
If S. cerevisiae is used for fermentation, then ethanol production capability is improved, but ability to hydrolyze polysaccharides is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hydrolysis function into separate enzymatic components (alpha-amylase and glucoamylase) that are expressed by the yeast cell. This allows the yeast to maintain its primary fermentation function while acquiring specialized hydrolytic capabilities through heterologous gene expression
Solution Approach 2:
The yeast cell is transformed into a composite organism combining native S. cerevisiae characteristics with heterologous enzyme production capabilities. This composite system integrates both fermentation efficiency and polysaccharide hydrolysis functions within a single biological platform
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The use of inactivated yeast products with heterologous enzymes increases ethanol production efficiency, reduces the need for exogenous enzymes, and supports yeast robustness, leading to cost savings and improved fermentation outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
Yeast need exogenous nutrients for healthy growth and viability. Whereas the corn mash itself can provide some nutrients in the form of carbohydrates, fatty acids, and nitrogen, it does not provide sufficient nutrients for the necessary growth and metabolism in a typical fermentation.
Implementation Method 2
The yeasts products comprise a source of nutrients for the fermenting organism as well as, in some embodiments, a source of enzyme for facilitating the degradation of the biomass and the conversion of the biomass into a fermentation product
Implementation Method 3
Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an important biocatalyst used in the commercial production of fuel ethanol. This organism is proficient in converting glucose to ethanol via fermentation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure concerns using an inactivated yeast product made from a yeast host cell to increase the yield of a fermentation product from a fermenting yeast host cell. The inactivated yeast extract can be formulated as a liquefaction or fermentation additive and can be used to improve the yield of a fermented product such as ethanol.