This year, BIT-China's project "Lights Control iT" aims to construct a
light-controlled yeast system
for the synthesis of terpenoid compounds. Our system offers advantages such as high flexibility and
environmental friendliness. Currently, we envision applying the "Lights Control iT" system to the
production of terpenoid fragrances.
Terpenoid fragrances are widely used in perfume production and can be considered the backbone
of the
entire perfume industry. However, the current methods for obtaining terpenoid fragrances
primarily
involve biological extraction and chemical synthesis, both of which face several challenges. With
regards to biological extraction, the uncertainty of natural sources from animals and plants results
in extremely low yields of natural terpenoid compounds, often lacking quality assurance. Regarding
chemical synthesis, terpenoid compounds typically have complex structures that are challenging to
synthesize through chemical means. Even when chemical synthesis is possible, it often consumes large
amounts of fossil resources, leading to environmental pollution.
"Lights Control iT" achieves controllable synthesis of terpenoid compounds based on brewer's
yeast
cells, which can entirely replace traditional methods of terpenoid fragrance production,
such as
biological extraction or chemical synthesis. Simultaneously, the "Lights Control iT" system can also
achieve the controlled synthesis of not just one, but multiple terpenoid compounds, simplifying the
production process of fragrances and flavors. With just one cell fermentation factory, the "Lights
Control iT" system can synthesize and blend multiple terpenoid fragrances.
Moreover, "Lights Control iT" features a flexible light-control system that can easily adjust
the
products synthesized by brewer's yeast. In the face of fluctuating fragrance markets and
production
requirements, the cell factories constructed by "Lights Control iT" can easily adapt their
production schemes, allowing for dynamic and flexible adjustments. "Lights Control iT" fills
the gap
in current terpenoid compound mixture production methods.
Furthermore, the "Lights Control iT" system is highly customizable. Referring to
existing
light-sensitive components and terpenoid compound biosynthetic pathways, "Lights Control iT" can
achieve the synthesis of specific compounds induced by light of specific wavelengths. This goes
beyond BIT-China's work this year with the 450nm induction pathway and the biosynthesis of Santalol
and Sclareol. "Lights Control iT" will be a significant breakthrough in the production of
terpenoid
fragrances and the terpenoid compound production industry as a whole.
