Direct Conversion of Brown Algae into Ethanol by Defluviitalea phaphyphila

Brown algae are promising feedstocks for biofuel production. However, it is difficult for one microorganism to convert all components of brown algae with different oxidoreduction potentials to ethanol. A Chinese Academy of Sciences research team, led by Shi-Qi Ji, reports on a thermophilic bacterium capable of direct utilization of brown algae, Defluviitalea phaphyphila Alg1.

Defluviitalea phaphyphila Alg1 has the ability to simultaneously utilize mannitol, glucose, and alginate to produce ethanol, and high ethanol yields were obtained. Furthermore, D. phaphyphila Alg1 can directly utilize unpretreated kelp powder to produce ethanol. Microscopic observation further demonstrated the deconstruction process of brown algae cell by D. phaphyphila Alg1.

The integrated biomass deconstruction system of D. phaphyphila Alg1, as well as its high ethanol yield, can provide an alternative for brown algae bioconversion.