The BMBF-funded "TAILOR" project aims to optimize the microorganism yeast so that it works more efficiently as a "cell-based factory". By developing new promoters to control gene activity, we can create yeast strains that can be used in a variety of ways, for example in the production of biofuels and other bio-based products. An important focus is the application of these methods to lesser-known yeasts in order to expand their use in the bioeconomy and promote sustainable production processes.   

Whether a bioprocess is profitable depends on several factors, including the efficiency and productivity of the microbial organisms used, the cost of raw materials and energy, the scalability of the processes and the market demand for the resulting products. A higher productivity of the host organisms leads to a more efficient use of resources and reduces production costs. More efficient microorganisms requiring fewer resources make bioprocesses more profitable. This can be achieved through the fine regulation of protein levels within the organisms, using specific control elements (so-called promoters) that control the multi-stage conversion of substrates into end products. 

Our group is developing stable synthetic promoters that tolerate fluctuations in the cultivation conditions and therefore function very reliably. We use baker's yeast to develop standardized processes that can be easily transferred to other yeasts. The aim is to establish platform strains that allow rapid and efficient optimization of the desired biosynthetic pathway. In terms of application, we are currently focusing on the sustainable production of biofuels, biochemicals and proteins for the food industry. 

Our method makes it possible to couple a large variety of genetic control sequences directly to target genes with virtually no cloning, which is time-consuming and costly. We are also developing light-induced gene switches that replace chemical inducers with energy-efficient LEDs, which improves sustainability. The bioeconomy benefits from more efficient, environmentally friendly production processes and versatile microorganisms that can produce a wide range of sustainable products at low cost. 

We are currently developing our methods for controlling gene activity in baker's yeast and are also testing and evaluating them in alternative yeasts such as Yarrowia lipolytica. Next steps include applying these techniques to lesser known yeasts and scaling up the processes for industrial applications. To this end, we are working closely with industrial partners to ensure that our developments are economical and efficient in practice. 

Interview: Beatrix Boldt