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Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Techniques for the Evolution of Robust Pentose-fermenting Yeast for Bioconversion of Lignocellulose to Ethanol
Published on: October 24, 2016
Techno-economic implications of improved high gravity corn mash fermentation
Arthur Kollaras1, John M Kavanagh, Geoffrey L Bell
1Microbiogen Pty Ltd., Sydney, Australia. arthur.kollaras@microbiogen.com
Abstract:
The performance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae MBG3964, a strain able to tolerate >18% v/v ethanol, was compared to leading industrial ethanol strain, Fermentis Ethanol Red, under high gravity corn mash fermentation conditions. Compared to the industrial ethanol strain, MBG3964 gave increased alcohol yield (140g L(-1) vs. 126g L(-1)), lower residual sugar (4g L(-1) vs. 32g L(-1)), and lower glycerol (11g L(-1) vs. 12g L(-1)). After 72h fermentation, MBG3964 showed about 40% viability, whereas the control yeast was only about 3% viable. Based on modelling, the higher ethanol tolerant yeast could increase the profitability of a corn-ethanol plant and help it remain viable through higher production, lower unit heating requirements and extra throughput. A typical 50M gal y(-1) dry mill ethanol plant that sells dried distiller's grain could potentially increase its profit by nearly $US3.4M y(-1) due solely to the extra yield, and potentially another $US4.1M y(-1) if extra throughput is possible.
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