초록
<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The aim of this work was to study the feasibility of surface displaying synthetic phytochelatin (EC) on <I>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</I> to overcome the inhibitory effect of heavy metals on ethanol production. Via the fusion of a gene encoding EC to an α-agglutinin gene, the engineered <I>S. cerevisiae</I> was able to successfully display EC on its surface. This surface engineered yeast strain exhibited an efficient cadmium adsorption capability and a remarkably enhanced cadmium tolerance. Moreover, its ethanol production efficiency was significantly improved as compared to a control strain in the presence of cadmium. Similar results could also be observed in the presence of other metals, such as nickel, lead and copper. Overall, this method allows simultaneous biorefinery and heavy metal removal when using heavy metal-contaminated biomass as raw materials.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> An engineered yeast strain capable of surface displaying EC20 was created. </LI> <LI> The strain was able to mitigate the inhibition of toxic metals on cell growth. </LI> <LI> The strain showed enhanced ethanol production in the presence of metals. </LI> <LI> The strain could also be used as a biosorbent for toxic metal removal. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>