Collaborative Research: Biotransformations Near and Above 100°C: Hyperthermophilic Microorganisms and Enzymes for Bioenergy Conversion

0617272 Kelly生物能源转化过程中微生物和生物催化剂的鉴定仍然是替代燃料开发的关键目标。最近可用的基于基因组学的方法提供了前所未有的新酶和生物质转化途径。本研究的目的是通过使用基于功能和结构基因组学的方法，结合微生物和生物化学方法，确定新的生物催化和代谢生物能源转换策略。拟议研究的智力价值是战略性地使用经典和现代方法来研究极端微生物生物学和生物技术，因为这与生物能源转换有关。该项目的具体目标是：（1）利用四种超嗜热产氢厌氧菌的全基因组转录反应分析，确定将生物质加工成可容易转化为生物燃料的底物的新型生物催化剂靶标;（2）生产用于生物化学表征的关键生物催化剂，并评估其在生物能源生产中的作用;（3）比较4株高温厌氧菌的产氢速率和产氢量。(4)评估高温下超嗜热菌培养生物制氢的生物工艺策略。这项工作的更广泛的影响涉及研究生的跨学科培训，在使用功能基因组学研究生物催化和生物转化在极端微生物。两个参与实验室将继续其长期努力，让本科生和来自代表性不足的少数群体的学生参与研究。

0617272KellyIdentification of microorganisms and biocatalysts for bioenergy conversion processes remains a key objective in the development of alternative fuels. Recently available genomics-based approaches offer unprecedented access to novel enzymes and pathways for biomass conversions. The objective of this research is to identify novel biocatalytic and metabolic strategies for bioenergy conversion by using functional and structural genomics-based methods, in conjunction with microbial and biochemical approaches. The intellectual merit of the proposed research is the strategic use of classical and modern approaches to study extremophile biology and biotechnology as this relates to bioenergy conversion. The specific objectives of the project are: (1) to use whole genome transcriptional response analyses of four hyperthermophilic hydrogen-producing anaerobes to identify novel biocatalyst targets for processing biomass to substrates that can be readily converted to biofuels; (2) to produce key biocatalysts for biochemical characterization and to assess their roles in bioenergy production; (3) to compare hydrogen production rates and yields for the four hyperthemophilic anaerobes. (4) to evaluate bioprocess strategies for biohydrogen production at elevated temperatures by hyperthermophile cultures. The broader impact of this work relates to the interdisciplinary training of graduate students in the use of functional genomics for studying biocatalysis and biotransformations in extremophilic microorganisms. The two participating laboratories will continue their longstanding efforts to involve undergraduate students and students from underrepresented minority groups in the research.