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

生物能源转化过程中微生物和生物催化剂的鉴定仍然是开发替代燃料的关键目标。最近可用的基于基因组学的方法为生物质转化提供了前所未有的新酶和途径。本研究的目的是利用基于功能和结构基因组学的方法，结合微生物和生化方法，确定新的生物催化和代谢策略，用于生物能量转换。所提议的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，因为这与生物能量转换有关。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响应分析，确定新的生物催化剂靶点，将生物质加工成可以很容易转化为生物燃料的底物；(2)生产用于生化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)比较四种超嗜热厌氧菌的产氢速率和产氢量。(4)评价超嗜热培养在高温下产氢的生物工艺策略。这项工作的更广泛的影响涉及到研究生在使用功能基因组学研究极端微生物的生物催化和生物转化方面的跨学科培训。这两个参与的实验室将继续他们长期以来的努力，让本科生和来自未被充分代表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.