Bioconversion of sterols to pregnenolone

The production of rapeseed oil generates low value streams rich in natural compounds that can be used as starting materials to produce high value compounds for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetics industries. This project will utilise a food grade yeast to convert the compounds in these waste streams to high value products that can be used as nutritional supplements, and as active pharmaceutical ingredients for the synthesis of a wide variety of drugs that are critical for human health. If successful, it will provide a more sustainable route for the manufacturing of these products, add value to the UK’s rapeseed oil industry and launch new start-up companies in high value manufacturing.