Brewing a Revolution with Fungi: The Next Generation of Cannabinoids

<p>Researchers at Hyasynth Bio are using fungi to brew cannabinoids such as CBD and THC. Using a method called biosynthesis, the Montreal-based team has engineered brewers yeast to manufacture cannabinoids within their cells. This methods results in compound with a level of potency and purity not previously seen in the cannabis industry. <br/><br/>Today we have the pleasure of speaking with  co-founder and metabolic engineer at Hyasynth Bio — Alex Campbell. </p><p><b> Topics Covered:</b></p><ul><li>Origin story and technology of Hyasynth Bio</li><li>How yeasts can be used as molecular factories </li><li>Metabolic pathways in yeasts and how they can be engineered</li><li>Perspectives on genetic engineering</li><li>Farming cannabinoids with microbes, especially yeasts</li><li>Resource requirements for growing cannabis plants, how that compares to methods in biotechnology</li><li>Slime mold enzymes rendering phytocannabinoid precursors</li><li>Enzyme prospecting and R&amp;D</li><li>CBD, THC and other cannabinoid benefits to human health</li></ul><p><b>Show notes:</b></p><ul><li>Hyasynth Bio Website: <a href='https://hyasynthbio.com/'>https://hyasynthbio.com/</a></li><li>Scientists brew cannabis using hacked beer yeast: <a href='https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-00714-9'>https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-00714-9</a></li><li>Newly Risen from yeast: THC : <a href='https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/15/science/newly-risen-from-yeast-thc.html'>https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/15/science/newly-risen-from-yeast-thc.html</a></li><li>Biosynthesis article: <a href='https://blog.hyasynthbio.com/what-is-biosynthesis-and-why-do-we-use-it-9ba77284d209'>https://blog.hyasynthbio.com/what-is-biosynthesis-and-why-do-we-use-it-9ba77284d209</a></li><li>Charlotte Figi’s Story: <a href='https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/09/us/charlotte-figi-dead.html#:~:text=Charlotte%20became%20the%20face%20of,epilepsy%20that%20starts%20in%20infancy'>https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/09/us/charlotte-figi-dead.html#:~:text=Charlotte%20became%20