John Henry Van Zyl, PhD

Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University

My research focused on the genetic engineering of the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, to increase its secretion capacity for heterologous proteins.Increased production of cellulolytic enzymes in this yeast would contribute to the attainment of an economically feasible second-generation biofuels solution. Bio-ethanol, in this context, is produced by the yeast using any cellulose-rich feedstock, such as (inter alia) agricultural waste products (e.g. corn stalks), paper waste, wood… Show more My research focused on the genetic engineering of the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, to increase its secretion capacity for heterologous proteins.Increased production of cellulolytic enzymes in this yeast would contribute to the attainment of an economically feasible second-generation biofuels solution. Bio-ethanol, in this context, is produced by the yeast using any cellulose-rich feedstock, such as (inter alia) agricultural waste products (e.g. corn stalks), paper waste, wood harvesting residues, specifically cultivated energy crops (e.g. sugarcane) and non-food energy crops (e.g. switchgrass).In this way, bio-ethanol is produced through a "closed" carbon cycle, which in turn provides for a renewable and sustainable liquid transportation fuel. Compared to traditional fossil fuels, this solution is greenhouse-gas neutral since the carbon dioxide that is released during combustion is initially sequestered by the renewable plant biomass via photosynthesis. Show less

University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-Afrika

Majors: Law of Competition & Trade Marks, Patent & Copyright Law