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The identification of yeast strains optimal for fermentation

Lead Research Organisation: QUADRAM INSTITUTE BIOSCIENCE
Department Name: UNLISTED

Abstract

Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.

Technical Summary

This project aims to understand design rules for yeast species and strains with important biorefinery applications. Looming food and energy crises have led to a ramping up of exploration of genetic resources for exploitation in industrial biotechnology and bioenergy. A variety of yeast fermentation capabilities are sought to supplement and eventually replace oil-based chemistries. Close collaboration with the BBSRC EEDA Biorefinery Centre for Biomass Exploitation at IFR will help identify yeast strains optimal for use in converting agri-food waste into valuable chemicals and co-products. Computational techniques will be developed to allow rapid navigation of a new yeast genomics data resource under development in collaboration with the BBSRC Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC). Yeast species and strains from the NCYC yeast collection, a BBSRC National Capability, will form the basis of the study. The project will improve understanding of variation and dynamics in genomes of yeasts used in industrial scale fermentations and deliver new yeast species and strains optimal for fermentation and scale-up in the IFR pilot plant.

Planned Impact

unavailable

Publications

10 25 50

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Chang CF (2012) Candida theae sp. nov., a new anamorphic beverage-associated member of the Lodderomyces clade. in International journal of food microbiology

 
Description A 'roadmap' for exploitation of yeast genetic diversity in biorefinery-based production of green fuels and chemicals has been developed. New information about yeast genome diversity has been discovered which adds to our understanding of the yeast 'tree of life'. Extraordinary biological variation is being discovered. Much is highly relevant to development of the bioeconomy. For example, we have found that yeasts are able to make 23 of the top 44 renewable chemical targets identified by the US Department of Energy. New rapid throughput screening methods have been developed and relevant patents are being filed.
Exploitation Route We expect the new genetic diversity discovered to add significantly to the yeast 'gene pool' available to industrial biotechnology. Others will be able to use this diversity to develop improved yeast traits for economic benefit.
Sectors Agriculture

Food and Drink

Chemicals

Education

Energy

Environment

Healthcare

Manufacturing

including Industrial Biotechology

Culture

Heritage

Museums and Collections

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology

URL http://www.ncyc.co.uk
 
Description Whole genome analysis techniques developed as part of this project have been used to identify yeast strains with traits of interest to industrial biotechnology. Whole genome data have been processed and made publically available at the NCYC website for exploitation by the entire scientific community. The project will terminate end March 2018 as a result of changed strategic priorities of the Quadram Institute.
First Year Of Impact 2016
Sector Agriculture, Food and Drink,Chemicals,Energy,Environment,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections
Impact Types Societal

Economic

 
Description UK Biological Resource Collections Network Meeting, Public Health England, London SE1 8UG
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
Impact This network influences the development, perception and exploitation of National biological resource collections amongst various stakeholder and user groups: Academic Institutions;General Public;Government Departments;Hospital / NHS Trusts;Independent Research Organisations;Industrial / Commercial;Public Research Organisations;Research Councils/ Institutes. 
 
Description BBSRC iCASE
Amount £96,000 (GBP)
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2015 
End 09/2019
 
Description Norwich Research Park DTP
Amount £96,000 (GBP)
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2015 
End 09/2019
 
Description 1002 Saccharomyces genomes project 
Organisation IRCAN
Department Yeast Genomics
Country France 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Selection of yeast strains for sequencing, discussions on analytical techniques and distribution of strain sets arising.
Collaborator Contribution Sequencing and primary analysis.
Impact This partnership increased the international standing and visibility of the UK National Collection of Yeast Cultures (NCYC), generating important new knowledge and numerous academic contacts and customers. The NCYC National Capability activity was terminated in 2018 as a result of the changing strategic priorities of the Quadram Institute.
Start Year 2013
 
Description 1002 Saccharomyces genomes project 
Organisation University of Strasbourg
Country France 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Selection of yeast strains for sequencing, discussions on analytical techniques and distribution of strain sets arising.
Collaborator Contribution Sequencing and primary analysis.
Impact This partnership increased the international standing and visibility of the UK National Collection of Yeast Cultures (NCYC), generating important new knowledge and numerous academic contacts and customers. The NCYC National Capability activity was terminated in 2018 as a result of the changing strategic priorities of the Quadram Institute.
Start Year 2013
 
Description EU COST Action BIOFLAVOUR 
Organisation National Institute of Applied Sciences of Toulouse
Country France 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Presentation at Yeast Flavour Workshop, Vevey, Switzerland.
Collaborator Contribution Knowledge of flavour and fragrance industry
Impact This partnership increased the international standing and visibility of the UK National Collection of Yeast Cultures (NCYC), generating numerous industrial contacts and customers. The NCYC National Capability activity was terminated in 2018 as a result of the changing strategic priorities of the Quadram Institute.
Start Year 2013
 
Description 33rd International Specialist Symposium on Yeast, Cork, June 26th-29th 2017  
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact International yeast conference
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Channel 4 Food Unwrapped TV programme. 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Ricochet TV production company visited with presenter Jimmy Doherty to film for a programme on the work of the National Collection of Yeast Cultures (NCYC), the various forms of commercial yeast and how they are suited to their role in producing particular fermented products. The NCYC National Capability activity was terminated in 2018 as a result of the changing strategic priorities of the Quadram Institute.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description Microbiology Society Annual Meeting 2017 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact A session on non-coding RNA was organised which raised the profile of the NCYC's work on genome sequencing and analysis and which contributed to a BBSRC Responsive Mode (RM) research grant. Valuable contacts were cemented with Public Health England researchers working in the area of genome sequencing of medically-important yeast species. The meeting also increased the international standing and visibility of the UK National Collection of Yeast Cultures (NCYC), generating further contacts and customers.The NCYC National Capability activity was terminated in 2018 as a result of the changing strategic priorities of the Quadram Institute but the non-coding RNA (in this case rRNA) and genome sequencing work is expected to continue through the RM grant.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description National Fungus Day 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact The NCYC stand attracted much interest from the general public, parents and children of all ages.

A very active public engagement activity across all aspects of the Norwich Research Park, including the NCYC.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013,2014
 
Description Pontifica Universidad Catolica Del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador, Simposio Internacional Sobre Colecciones De Cultivos De Microorganismos, 7 - 9 Noviembe 2016   
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The presentation covered the activities of the National Collection of Yeast Cultures (NCYC), including the present knowledge of Global Yeast Biodiversity and its contribution to the Circular Economy. The NCYC National Capability activity was terminated in 2018 as a result of the changing strategic priorities of the Quadram Institute but its contribution to international environmental conservation efforts lives on through students inspired by such presentations e.g. resulting in this case in novel yeast collection and analysis from biodiverse environments in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description Presentation to the Institute of Brewers and Distillers Meantime Brewery, Greenwich, London, UK 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The activity publicised the work of the National Collection of Yeast Cultures (NCYC) in securing brewers' production yeasts and providing access to many more yeast varieties to an important industrial sector. The NCYC National Capability activity was terminated in 2018 as a result of the changing strategic priorities of the Quadram Institute.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Total Food 2017 - QIB, Norwich Research Park, UK 31/10/17 - 02/11/2017 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact International Food Conference
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017