Synergies between Heme Peroxidases and Cellulases in the Bioconversion of Lignocellulosic Feedstocks to Ethanol

An enzymatic process for the bioconversion of softwood to sugars for fermentation to ethanol will be developed, including optimization of the cellulase formulation specifically for hydrolysis of Douglas-fir pretreated by acid-catalyzed steam explosion. High throughput methods to intensively optimize enzyme composition for the specific softwood feedstocks available in the Western region may provide sound data with which realistic economic analysis may be performed and policy issues regarding the near-term expectations for lignocellulosic ethanol enlightened. Microorganisms produce a “barrage” of extracellular enzymes when growing on wood, and these “auxiliary” enzymes are likely to increase the rate of cellulose hydrolysis in complex lignocellulosic substrates. Using a high throughput approach, synergies between cellulases and heme peroxidases can be explored. It is likely from the scientific evidence available that heme peroxidases will increase cellulase activity by removing residual lignin. The proposed research using heme peroxidases will provide quantitative measurements as to the significance of this effect, and may provide evidence of other previously undiscovered auxiliary enzymes or synergistic interactions. Further exploiting the true metabolic potential of wood-degrading fungi may lower the cost of producing lignocellulosic ethanol from softwoods, providing a significant source of transportation fuel from the prevalent forestry wastes in the Western region.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Program information: Advanced Research, Biobased Research

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $200000
• Sponsor Organizations:

  Research and Innovative Technology Administration

  Department of Transportation
  1200 New Jersey Avneue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Johnson, Shawn

• Principal Investigators:

  Kelly, Christine

• Start Date: 20071001
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 20090930

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Biomass; Cellulose; Ecological synergism; Ethanol; Fermentation; Fungi; Wood waste
• Subject Areas: Energy; Environment; Transportation (General);

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01575486
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Department of Transportation
• Files: RIP, USDOT
• Created Date: Sep 1 2015 12:13PM