Modified yeast strains exhibiting enhanced production of punicic acid (#2024-047)
• A novel recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain that accumulates high levels of punicic acid • A novel recombinant oleaginous Rhodotorula toruloides strain that accumulates high levels of punicic acid and can use complex feed stocks including agricultural waste and wood hydrolysate as a growth substrate
Researchers from the University of Alberta have developed a novel recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain that accumulates 26.7% of total fatty acids as Punicic acid (PuA) without linoleic acid precursor feeding. In flask cultivation, the PuA titer reached 424.6 mg/L. Additionally, a method utilizing Ty-retrotransposon-targeted random gene shuffling has been used in development of novel S. cerevisiae lines with increased production of desirable fatty acids. The researchers also developed a novel recombinant Rhodotorula toruloides strain that accumulates 12% and 5.8% of total fatty acids as PuA with glucose and wood hydrolysate as carbon sources, respectively, without linoleic acid precursor feeding. The PuA titers reached 451.6 mg/L and 310 mg/L in flask cultivation.
Punicic acid has diverse health benefits and potential industrial applications in various industries including nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, feeding, and cosmetics. Health benefits include anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and anti-carcinogenic activities. . Punicic acid is naturally produced in pomegranate seed oil, however commercial production from cultivated pomegranate presents significant challenges.
Competitive Advantage • Efficient method to produce high levels of punicic acid • Potential to use R. toruloides to convert agricultural waste into value added bioproducts
About University of Alberta Tech Transfer Services
Technology Transfer Services (TTS) is a division of the University of Alberta that manages the commercialization of university-based research and innovation. The team supports researchers, students, and staff by providing expertise in intellectual property (IP) strategy, patent protection, and market assessment. They facilitate the movement of discoveries into real-world applications by negotiating commercialization agreements, managing material transfer and non-disclosure agreements, and assisting with both licensing opportunities and the creation of startup spinoff companies. By bridging the gap between academic discovery and industry, TTS helps navigate the complexities of technology transfer, ensuring innovations can be effectively deployed to create social and economic value. The team works closely with inventors from the initial reporting of an invention through to the final commercialization stage, providing professional guidance on IP policies, patent filing costs, and industry partnership development. Through these efforts, they maintain active portfolios of available technologies across diverse fields such as engineering, artificial intelligence, life sciences, and physical sciences, connecting university innovators with commercial partners for collaborative development.
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