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Thermocellulases for lignocellulosic degradation

Summary

OSU researchers have discovered andgenetically modified a group of thermostable cellulases capable of degradingcellulose at high temperatures (85°C) over an extended period of time.  The enzymes retain 85% or more of theirenzymatic activity after 5 day incubations at elevated temperatures (90°C).  Furthermore, molecularly modified versions ofthe cellulases introduced into corn and switchgrass can, after harvest, degradethe plants internally simply by elevating the plant temperatures to 70˚C orhigher.  The new cellulases havepotential application in many areas including agricultural processes, largescale enzyme production, waste management, and much more.

Technology Benefits

·        Catalytically active at high temperatures over a long periodof time·        Consolidates chemical processes that already occur at hightemperatures·        Increases efficiency of large scale enzyme production

Technology Application

·        Large-scale enzyme production·        Waste management·        Agricultural management and processing·        Food and paper processing

Detailed Technology Description

None

*Abstract

None

*Background

Cellulose, part of thelignocellulosic biomass of plants, is the most abundant, highly renewableorganic compound on earth, and is used to manufacture products in multiple industriesincluding biofuel, paper, textile, food processing, animal feed, agricultural,detergent, and waste management.  Unfortunately,efficient production of cellulose based products is diminished by complicationsinvolving the strong hydrogen bonds present in plant cell walls. Typically, thedigestion of cellulose is carried out at a temperature approaching 100° Cbecause, at high temperatures, hydrogen bonds are disrupted making it substantially easier for cellulases (enzymes) to accessand break down cellulose into usable material. Therefore, cellulases used commercially must be able to withstand veryhigh temperatures, preferably for extended periods of time.  There isan ongoing need to identify, isolate, and characterize thermally stablecellulases for use in the enzymatic degradation of cellulose.

*Stage of Development

Proof of concept stage.

Country/Region

USA