Effect of FPS1 deletion on the fermentation properties of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Aims: To investigate the effect of FPS1 deletion on the fermentation properties of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and to evaluate whether FPS1 deletion would result in higher ethanol yield. Methods and Results: FPS1 of S. cerevisiae was knocked out using the one-step gene replacement method. The fermentation properties of the fps1 Delta mutant under microaerobic conditions were investigated and compared with that of the wild type. Consumption of glucose, yield of ethanol, yield of glycerol, acetic acid and pyruvic acid were monitored. Compared with the wild type, the ethanol yield of the fps1 Delta mutant was improved by 10 +/- 2% and glycerol yield decreased by 18.8 +/- 2%. Meanwhile, acetic acid yield decreased by 5.4 +/- 1%, and pyruvic acid yield decreased by 58.6 +/- 1%. Conclusions: FPS1 deletion of S. cerevisiae resulted in reduced glycerol yield and higher ethanol yield. Significance and Impact of the Study: The cost of carbon source in ethanol fermentation is an important factor in determining ethanol production. Approximately 5% carbon source is converted into glycerol in ethanol fermentation. Eliminating formation of glycerol through FPS1 deletion can be used to increase ethanol yield of S. cerevisiae without increasing the overall cost of carbon source.