Researchers Develop Microbial Enzyme Cocktails for Biofuel Production

Clemson University researchers are developing the right combination of enzymes from bacterial and fungal sources to hasten the utilization of plant biomass as raw material for biofuel production.

Conversion of plant biomass into cost-competitive biofuels requires an efficient way to break down the tough cellulose and xylan molecules bound in plant cell walls. These complex molecules can be enzymatically degraded into simple sugars which can be fermented into ethanol. Scientists aim to tap the natural abilities of bacteria and fungi in decomposing plant materials to aid in this process.

A research at Clemson University involves identifying the right bacteria and fungi and the right enzymes that will break down the cellulose and xylan in switchgrass and waste paper to release fermentable plant sugars. As fungi and bacteria work additively as a community, research is focused on developing an "enzyme cocktail." This work aims to reduce the cost of making ethanol from plant biomass.