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Updated: May 28, 2026

Genetic Engineering of an Unconventional Yeast for Renewable Biofuel and Biochemical Production
Published on: September 20, 2016
The Effective Biodegradation of Poly(ε-caprolactone) by Engineered Yeast Yarrowia lipolytica Producing Lipase B
Żaneta Zdanowska1,2, Lara Serrano-Aguirre1,2, Aneta Krystyna Urbanek1
1Laboratory for Biosustainability, Institute of Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, ul. Kożuchowska 5b, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland.
Abstract:
Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is a biodegradable aliphatic polyester with applications in many areas. Lipase B from Moesziomyces antarcticus (CALB, previously known as Candida antarctica lipase B) is a well-characterize enzyme capable of hydrolysing several polyesters. In this study, the codon-optimized gene encoding CALB was cloned into the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica to enhance its natural capabilities toward polyesters biodegradation. PCL films biodegradation was conducted directly in the medium using the engineered yeast at 28 °C. Process optimization employing baffled flasks significantly improved degradation efficiency and reduced time to 24 h. This study showed that the engineered yeast Y. lipolytica is a promising host for polyester biodegradation.
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