Brand name decided for new ethanol fuel yeast option

International supplier of fermentation ingredients to the fuel ethanol industry Lallemand Ethanol Technology (LET) has announced the brand name of its collaboration with Mascoma Grain Technology (MGT).

The yeast product project will be marketed under the name TransFerm and be available for use by the fuel ethanol industry. It represents the first commercial application of MET's proprietary consolidated bioprocessing technology platform.

TransFerm is a bioengineered drop-in substitute for conventional fermenting yeast that will lower costs for corn ethanol producers by alleviating the need to purchase expensive enzymes currently used in corn ethanol production.

‘The ability of TransFerm to enhance ethanol production, combined with the complementary capabilities of our two companies, positions us for a successful commercial launch of this product,’ says president of LET's specialty division Bill Nankervis.

‘We are well-positioned to continue this successful commercialisation and transform enzyme delivery in first generation ethanol,’ added Mascoma president and CEO Bill Brady. ‘The commercial agreements we have in place with ethanol producers, as well as the commercial-scale trials already underway, provide us with a strong foundation from which to grow.’