World’s First Yeast-Based Cannabinoid Synthesis

Cannabinoids hold significant clinical value, but traditional cultivation of cannabis crops and extraction of cannabinoids typically take six months. To address the challenges of complex and inefficient cannabinoid extraction, the synthetic biology team engineered high-yield cannabinoid genes into Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a microorganism just 8 microns in diameter. By culturing these modified yeast cells in fermentation tanks, the team enabled continuous 24-hour production of cannabinoids in a factory setting, eliminating the need for labor-intensive cannabis cultivation (Nature, 2019). This innovation has led to startup companies valued at over RMB 200 million.