Assessing Microbial Robustness in Yeast and Contaminant Bacteria from Bioethanol Biorefineries

• Grant number: 25/02917-6
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology - Food Engineering
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Thiago Olitta Basso
• Grantee: Thiago Olitta Basso
• Principal researcher abroad: Lisbeth Cecilia Olsson
• Institution abroad: Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/03052-0 - Metabolic and evolutionary engineering of non-conventional yeasts for bioactive terpenoid production, AP.PNGP.PI

Abstract

Innovative approaches integrating microbial physiology and synthetic biology are required to address the industrial challenges to enhance yeast robustness and fermentation performance. A promising strategy involves the use of genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors, enabling real-time monitoring of intracellular stress responses, including pH fluctuations, ATP depletion, oxidative stress, and ribosomal activity. Here we aim to perform training on robustness quantification and biosensors cloning, visiting a sugarcane biorefinery in Brazil and training on biosensors analysis and high-throughput yeast cultivation. Based on these goals, we aim to prepare a medium-term proposal to FAPESP and a Swedish Funding Agency (Formas) to advance the knowledge of yeast stress factors (including non-conventional species, such as Yarrowia lipolytica) and the containment of bacterial contamination in sugarcane-based substrates, encompassing both traditional substrates (molasses and cane juice) as well as lignocellulosic ones for a diverse range of bioproduct production, including 2G ethanol from sugarcane bagasse and high-value added products, such as terpenes. (AU)