Enhancement of fermentative performance of the yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides and development of sustainable protocols for the characterization of biomolecules

• Grant number: 24/06741-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: October 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Biochemistry of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Débora Danielle Virginio da Silva
• Grantee: Carla Vitoria dos Santos de Vechi
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The growing interest in replacing petroleum-derived fuels and chemicals with renewable alternatives has driven research into the use of lignocellulosic biomass. Understanding efficient strategies for its use, especially in the production of energy and chemicals via biotechnological processes, is fundamental. The sugars present in biomass can be converted into high-value-added chemicals, but they often require pre-treatment due to the presence of compounds that inhibit microbial growth. Microorganisms such as the yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides have attracted great interest due to their ability to convert these sugars into intracellular lipids, which can be used in the production of biofuels and oleochemical products. This yeast is known for its versatility in using different carbon sources, including pentoses and hexoses present in lignocellulosic hydrolysates, and for its ability to grow in environments with inhibitory compounds. In the Brazilian context, the valorization of agro-industrial residues, such as sugarcane bagasse and coffee grounds, represents a significant opportunity for the use of this yeast in biorefinery processes. However, additional studies are needed to better understand the performance of Rhodosporidium toruloides, including the best cultivation conditions, aiming to maximize the production of renewable lipids, and the establishment of more sustainable protocols aimed at their characterization. These lipids have potential across multiple sectors, highlighting the importance of research in this emerging field of renewable energy and chemistry.