Harvard researchers develop yeast bio-hybrid system

December 12, 2018 |

In Massachusetts, researchers at Harvard University have expanded the concept of “biological-inorganic hybrid systems” to baker’s yeast that in combination with light-harvesting semiconductors is able to produce shikimic acid, an important precursor of the anti-viral drug Tamiflu, several other medicines, nutraceuticals, and fine chemicals. When kept in the dark, the yeast cells produced ethanol and glycerol. The researchers say that the development could lead to genetically engineering yeast cells to produce a wide range of bioproducts.

Category: Research

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