Microbiogen and the Use of Directed Evolution of Yeast to Solve the Challenge of Producing Lignocellulosic Bioethanol at Scale
At MicroBioGen, we are on a mission to develop advanced yeast strains for processing and fermenting non-edible biomass into bioethanol. Unlike first-generation biofuels derived from food-based sugars or starches, our focus is on second-generation biofuels, which utilise non-edible residues (lignocellulosic materials) and avoid the food vs. fuel debate.
The core challenge lies in creating yeast strains (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) that can efficiently ferment both hexose sugars from starch and sugar and pentose sugars from woody biomass. While many have relied on genetic modification to address this, success has been limited. MicroBioGen takes a unique biomimetic approach, using Directed Evolution to create robust, versatile yeast strains capable of broadening applications from C6 to C5 sugars.
Since our founding in 2001, our work has led to a partnership with global enzyme leader Novozymes to drive innovation in second-generation bioethanol. Supported by a grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) in 2017, our Directed Evolution technology is pushing the boundaries of renewable energy. The recognition of Directed Evolution’s importance, highlighted by the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, reinforces the scientific foundation of our efforts and strengthens our commitment to creating sustainable biofuels.