ORNL Scientists Study Yellowstone Bacterium for Biofuel Production

Researchers at the Oakridge National Laboratory are studying Caldicellulosiruptor obsidiansis, a bacterium from Yellowstone's hot springs to be used in development of commercially viable ethanol from crops. This microorganism thrives at extremely high temperatures and has the ability to break down organic material. The researchers hope to use this capability in a biofuel production technique called consolidated bioprocessing, which involves use of microorganisms. Once successful, this technique, could be a cheaper alternative for the current processes that use expensive enzymes.

"Consolidated bioprocessing is like a one-pot mix," said Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Richard Giannone, coauthor on a BESC proteomics study that looked at one microorganism candidate. "You want to throw plant material into a pot with the microorganism and allow it to degrade the material and produce ethanol at the same time."

View the media release at http://www.ornl.gov/info/press_releases/get_press_release.cfm?ReleaseNumber=mr20120214-00.