Isobutanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol production by saccharomyces cerevisiae in aerobic condition

Abstract

Alternative fuels from renewable sources are receiving public and scientific attention due to continuous depletion of petroleum fuel-reserves and environmental problem such as global warming and climate change. Higher alcohols (C3-C5) possess many advantages thus become suitable candidate in replacing gasoline as transprtation fuel. This paper investigates the production of isobutanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol as well as the toxicity of these alcohols towards Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This yeast was able to produce both alcohols with the highest concentration of 92 mg/ L (isobutanol) and 245 mg/L (3-methyl-1-butanol). Saccharomyces cerevisiae was capable to grow in more than 2% isobutanol but unable in concentration of 3-methyl-1-butanol higher than 1%.