Flexible Engineered Solutions for Xylose Metabolism using Synthetic Biology (FLEX)
In order for bio-based chemicals, such as bio-butanol, to compete with oil derivatives we need to improve the range of cheap, sustainable feedstocks that can be fermented by solventogenic microbes, and the efficiency of this fermentation process. Current commercial processes require the use of extreme heat and harsh chemicals to convert agricultural waste material to simple fermentable sugars. This not only reduces the environmental benefits of renewables but also makes the fermentation of waste feedstocks less economic when compared with easier substrates such as starch. Through this project we are developing microbial strains that are able to use agricultural wastes that have undergone less intensive pre-treatment procedures to produce bio-butanol with high efficiency. This will reduce the environmental impact of harsh chemical and high temperature processes and reduce the competition for food crops as fermentation substrates.
This is a TSB/ BBSRC funded, 24 month project in collaboration with Dr Gavin Thomas’ group at the University of York and it builds on work completed through a SPARK grant awarded to the same partners.