More specifically, a method for converting xylose in xylose-containing media into ethanol is disclosed. In order to meet the future increased demand for ethanol, sugars from biomass like corn hulls and corncobs will need to be fermented. The present invention uses a mutant strain of Pichia stipitis that exhibits reduced expression of functional c type cytochrome. This disruption of the cytochrome c gene routes a large fraction of the yeast's reducing power into fermentative activity, increasing the ethanol production rate from xylose two-fold. Xylose fermentation rate and yield are increased.
Strains are completely stable.
Provides a cost-effective method of producing ethanol by fermentation of xylose. All rights reserved.