Exploration of inhibitors metabolization and their effect on Rhodosporidium toruloides

Lignocellulosic biomass has been widely accepted as a alternative and inexpensive substrate for biofuel production. The liquid hydrolysate generated from biomass contain sugars (such as glucose, xylose, fructose, arabinose and galactose) and inhibitors (such as furans, organic acids and phenols). However, inhibitors generally alters the sugar consumption, growth profile and metabolic activities of microorganisms. Hence, the objective of present project is to study the inhibitor tolerance of Rhodosporidium toruloides. In addition, Rhodosporidium toruloides also known to accumulate lipids, the feedstock for biofuel. The aim is to evaluate the effect of inhibitors on lipid accumulation and growth profile of Rhodosporidium toruloides. In this sense, if Rhodosporidium toruloides able to grow, produce lipid and tolerate inhibitors, then it would be a value-addition to the undetoxified hydrolysates. Ultimately, the detoxification of hydrolysate would not be necessary to perform before fermentation and ultimately will reduce the final biofuel production cost.

Faculty Supervisor:

Satinder Kaur Brar

Student:

Partner:

University of Borås

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Biotechnology; Sustainability & the Environment; Green/Alternative Energy

University:

York University

Program: