Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

In the context of sustainable biofuel production, oleaginous yeasts are emerging as critical players
in the search for profitable, greener alternatives to fossil fuels. These microbes, known for their
powerful lipid synthesis capabilities, have the potential to convert renewable, low-value biomass
into economically valuable lipids. This process offers potential profit by significantly lowering
production costs compared to conventional lipid sources, such as vegetable oils, and mitigating
associated environmental impacts. Among these, the Rhodotorula species stand out for their strong
lipid production skills and genetic diversity (Osman et al., 2022)(Zhang et al., 2021). The need to
identify replacements for traditional lipid sources cannot be overstressed. Traditional methods are
not only unsustainable but also have significant environmental consequences. Oleaginous yeasts
provide a possible alternative since they convert low-value, non-food biomass into high-value lipids.
This skill presents them as a sustainable alternative for waste management and the production of
biofuels, chemicals, and food additives (Zhang et al., 2021). Rhodotorula yeasts, in particular, are
known for their ability to use a wide range of substrates, including waste products and raw plant
materials, which has the potential to drastically transform the existing economic landscape toward
sustainability. This master's thesis dives into the genetic complexities of three Rhodotorula strains—
two parental strains (CBS 14 and CBS 349) and one hybrid strain (CBS 6016), with the goal of
investigating the genetic and metabolic capabilities of the hybrid strain CBS 6016, focusing on the
inheritance and functionality of key metabolic pathways, particularly those involved in lipid
production. Our findings show that CBS 6016 inherits a large number of protein sequences from
both parental strains, preserving essential metabolic functions, as well as a partial loss of some
enzymes suggests potential areas where metabolic capabilities could be affecting overall fitness and
growth.