Dr. Yang Yue from Biotechnology Research Institute of Amyris, Inc. (Amyris Biotechnology) visits IHB on Dec. 19, 2014.

Dr. Yang Yue from Biotechnology Research Institute of Amyris, Inc. (Amyris Biotechnology) paid a visit to Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IHB) on Dec.19, 2014. During her visit, she made an academic report entitled “Amyris: From Biotechnology Startup to Successful Renewable Chemical Manufacturer”.   

In her report, Dr. Yang focused on the large-scale production of antimalarial artemisinin by yeast fermentation through synthetic biology methods. They have significantly increased  artemisinin production by means of high expression of key genes of artemisinin metabolic pathway or insertion of new genes. Therefore, they remarkablely reduced artemisinin production costs making great contributions to the promotion of antimalarials in Africa.  

Dr. Yang also described the yeast synthetic biology platform for the biosynthesis of other products (bio-diesel, jet fuel, squalane, etc.) which are widely used in fuels, lubricants, rubber, plastics additives, cosmetics, fragrances and pharmaceutical fields. After her report, the participating researchers and graduate students discussed with Dr. Yang on some interesting issues. 

Dr. Yang Yue works as biotechnology scientists in Amyris which is good at applying its own research achievement to practical production. Amyris is committed to solving global problems by making full use of synthetic biology technology. At present, the company's industrial chain spreads over the fields of energy, chemicals, medical and so on.