A Consortium of a Motile and Cellulose-Degrading Bacteria Used for Cellulose Hydrolysis

In Israel, a group of researchers, led by Professor Eshel Ben-Jacob from Tel Aviv University, demonstrated a novel approach to cellulose hydrolysis using a consortium of a motile bacterium carrying another bacterium that can efficiently hydrolyze cellulose.

The approach uses the recombinant Escherichia coli as a microbial luggage of another highly motile bacterium, Paenibacillus vortex.

Paenibacillus vortex is known for its ability to swarm and collaborate with other microorganisms by carrying them in specialized structures called vortices. Thus, two bacterial species create a mutually beneficial consortium in which P. vortex provides a motile force while the E. coli degrades cellulose, making it available for uptake by both microorganisms.

Moreover, P. vortex has the ability to degrade xylan, thus contributing its own enzymes to the consortium making it even more effective for degradation of the plant material.