Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 4, 2025

Techniques for the Evolution of Robust Pentose-fermenting Yeast for Bioconversion of Lignocellulose to Ethanol
Published on: October 24, 2016
Yeast-based production and in situ purification of acetaldehyde
Hendrik G Mengers1, William Graf von Westarp2, Daniela Brücker1
1Institute of Applied Microbiology - iAMB, Aachener Biologie und Biotechnologie - ABBt, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
Abstract:
Acetaldehyde is a platform chemical with a production volume of more than 1 Mt/a, but is chiefly synthesized from petrochemical feedstocks. We propose the fermentative conversion of glucose towards acetaldehyde via genetically modified S. cerevisiae. This allows for ethanol-free bioactaldehyde production. Exploiting the high volatility of the product, in situ gas stripping in an aerated reactor is inevitable and crucial due to the respiratory toxicity effects of the acetaldehyde overproduction. We devise a lab-scale setup for the recovery of the product from the off-gas. Water was chosen as a suitable solvent and the Henry coefficient of acetaldehyde in water was validated experimentally. Based on an experimentally verified capture efficiency of 75%, an acetaldehyde production rate of over 100 mg/g/h was reached in 200 mL lab-scale fermentations.
Related Concept Videos
Alkylation of β-Ketoester Enolates: Acetoacetic Ester Synthesis
Fates of Pyruvate
In aerobic organisms, pyruvate is metabolized via the citric acid cycle to produce reduced coenzymes NADH and FADH2. These coenzymes are then oxidized in the electron transport chain to produce ATP and, in the process, regenerate the NAD+ and FAD. As seen in some cell types and organisms, fermentation...
Aldehydes and Ketones with Alcohols: Hemiacetal Formation
Microbial Fermentation
Alkylation of β-Diester Enolates: Malonic Ester Synthesis
α-Hydroxy Ketones via Reductive Coupling of Esters: Acyloin Condensation Overview

