Bioengineering Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the Selective Production of beta-Pinene

This technology development program addresses the market and strategic need for renewable high density fuels for missile propulsion or as additives to increase performance of jet propulsion fuels. beta-Pinene, a natural plant derived organic compound, is the proposed high density fuel precursor. In the Phase 1 project, we will demonstrate the feasibility of this approach by: 1) engineering a strain of S. cerevisiae to contain the beta-pinene synthase gene from Artemisia annua. When induced, the engineered strain will divert most of its central metabolism to the production of beta-pinene; 2) demonstrating the ability of the engineered strain to convert hydrolyzed waste cardboard into beta-pinene; 3) developing a solvent extraction system to aid in the recovery of produced beta-pinene; and 4) integrating the beta-pinene production and separation steps in order to demonstrate continuous or semi-continuous operation. In addition we will characterize the overall efficiency of the process by performing material and energy balances. Lastly, we will provide a sample of beta-pinene produced via this bioconversion process.