From the tropics to the lab: New yeasts could transform industry

Yeast cells can be used to convert agricultural and forestry residues, as well as industrial byproducts, into valuable bioproducts. New and unexplored yeast strains may have properties that can enhance the commercial competitiveness of this sustainable production. In a study recently published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, researchers collected and examined the biotechnological potential of 2,000 West African yeast strains.