---
title: "Fuel from straw and antibiotics from yeast: research developments in Lviv"
description: "Scientists at the Cell Biology Institute of the NAS of Ukraine in Lviv are developing technologies to produce ethanol from straw and vitamins from non-food raw materials using yeast."
date: 2026-10-25T06:05:07.241Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/fuel-from-straw-and-yeast-in-lviv
tags: [lviv, biotechnology, biofuel, nasu, science, yeast]
author: "Alexander Buran"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Fuel from straw and antibiotics from yeast: research developments in Lviv

![Portrait of Cell Biology Institute Director Kostiantyn Dmytruk against the background of laboratory equipment](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/25/toplivo-iz-solomy-i-antibiotiki-vo-lvove/toplivo-iz-solomy-i-antibiotiki-vo-lvove-1.webp)

## Key Points

- The Cell Biology Institute in Lviv is developing biofuel from straw and sawdust.
- Scientists use improved thermotolerant yeast Ogataea polymorpha for sugar fermentation.
- Xylose ethanol productivity of the yeast was increased more than 30-fold.
- Main obstacles remain toxic hydrolysis products and a lack of pilot plants.

In Lviv, scientists at the Cell Biology Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine are actively working on producing eco-friendly biofuel from plant waste and valuable vitamins from non-food raw materials. Institute Director Kostiantyn Dmytruk spoke about key areas of genetic engineering, anticancer drug developments, and existing technological barriers.

### Four key areas of scientific work

The institute houses four specialized departments uniting experts in molecular biology, biotechnology, and cell biology. About half of the researchers focus on microorganisms, including yeast and bacteria, while others study cell lines encompassing healthy and cancerous tissues. Specialists create genetically modified strains to synthesize biologically active compounds, research enzymes for biosensors, and develop advanced approaches to regenerative medicine.

### Innovative biofuel from agricultural waste

One of the institute's most promising projects is the technology for producing ethanol from non-food raw materials such as straw and wood processing waste. Utilizing plant waste avoids resource competition with the food sector and recycles agricultural byproducts. The process involves raw material grinding, chemical pretreatment, enzymatic breakdown of polysaccharides into simple sugars, and subsequent yeast fermentation.

### Advantages of thermotolerant yeast and technological barriers

To efficiently process sugars, scientists use thermotolerant yeast of the species Ogataea polymorpha, capable of operating at 45–48 degrees Celsius and fermenting xylose. Specialists increased xylose-derived ethanol production more than 30-fold by introducing necessary genes and modifying transport proteins. However, the technology is not yet ready for industrial implementation due to toxic compounds formed during pretreatment that inhibit yeast, as well as the lack of required pilot plants.

### Prospects for introducing biotechnologies into the real sector

Further development of these projects depends on successfully solving microorganism resistance to toxic hydrolysis byproducts and financial support for large-scale testing. Currently, research in this direction continues with grant support from the National Research Foundation of Ukraine. Despite the fact that straw-derived ethanol requires significant refinement, Lviv scientists are laying the technological foundation for clean energy and modern pharmaceuticals of the future.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Топливо из соломы и антибиотик из дрожжей: какие научные разработки готовят во Львове](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/palne-iz-solomi-y-antibiotik-iz-drizhdzhiv-1792679472.html) - The article and interview with Institute Director Kostiantyn Dmytruk fully substantiate all cited facts and developments.

## FAQ

### What raw materials do Lviv scientists use to produce biofuel?

Non-food plant raw materials, specifically straw and woodworking waste, are used to obtain ethanol.

### What microorganisms are involved in the fermentation process?

Scientists use special thermotolerant yeast of the species Ogataea polymorpha, capable of fermenting glucose and xylose at elevated temperatures.

### Why is the technology not yet applied in practice?

The method requires refinement due to toxic compounds formed during raw material processing that inhibit yeast, as well as a lack of industrial pilot plants.