A Biomanufacturing Approach to Textile Fibers from Spent Yeast

Members: Tandem Repeat, ARCTOS Technologies, University of Georgia

Project dates: 2025 – present

This project is investigating the use of spent yeast as a feedstock for textile fibers. In addition to evaluating the suitability of various spent yeast biomass sources, researchers will develop pre-treatment methods for yeast biomass and design cost-effective processes for producing textile fibers from these spent yeast streams. The project team will employ industry-recognized testing standards (ISO, AATCC, ASTM) on the textile samples evaluating relevant performance metrics for physical durability and repellency to water, oil, and fire. The textile fibers from spent yeast also offer the potential to reduce burns caused by fire or explosion, compared to synthetic fibers. Fibers made from polyester, nylon, or polypropylene melt easily and can stick to the skin, causing more severe injuries.  Protein-based fibers, such as ones generated in this project, decompose before melting and may help to avoid this type of burn.

Concurrently, the University of Georgia is measuring consumer perceptions of biomanufactured products, including whether attitudes vary based on the origin of the strain, the source of the biomass, and the type of product. In the U.S., the amount of byproduct yeast biomass available from beer, wine, and chemical production exceeds 12 million tons, representing an underutilized domestic feedstock for materials. This research will increase availability of domestically manufactured textiles for a variety of commercial and defense applications to protect against global supply chain disruptions.

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