Scientists Isolate Bacterium Capable of Degrading Lignocellulosic Biomass without Pretreatment

Compared with the enzyme systems of fungi, bacteria have evolved distinct systems to degrade lignocellulose. However, bacterial saccharification approaches are not efficient enough without help from β-glucosidases. Hence, to enhance the feasibility of using lignocellulosic biomass for biofuel production, it will be important to develop a novel bacterial saccharification system that does not require β-glucosidases.

Tao Sheng from the Harbin Institute of Technology in China together with a team of researchers isolated a thermophilic bacterium, Ruminiclostridium thermocellum M3, from horse manure. The bacteria is said to be capable of directly degrading lignocellulosic biomass. Ruminiclostridium thermocellum M3 was able to grow on a variety of carbon polymers. The bacterium also showed potential in degrading natural lignocellulosic biomass without pretreatment. The bacterium was tested on several biomass including poplar sawdust, corn cobs, rice straw, and cornstalks.

Ruminiclostridium thermocellum M3 could be a promising candidate for lignocellulose saccharification and may be a valuable choice for the refinement of bioproducts.