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

鉴定用于生物能源转换过程的微生物和生物催化剂仍然是开发替代燃料的一个关键目标。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获得新酶和途径的途径。这项研究的目的是通过使用基于功能和结构基因组学的方法，结合微生物和生化方法，确定用于生物能源转换的新的生物催化和代谢策略。拟议研究的学术价值在于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)使用对四种超高温厌氧菌的全基因组转录反应分析，以确定将生物质加工成容易转化为生物燃料的底物的新的生物催化剂靶标；(2)生产用于生化表征的关键生物催化剂，并评估它们在生物能源生产中的作用；(3)比较四种超高温厌氧菌的产氢率和产量。(4)评估高温下利用高温培养生物制氢的生物工艺策略。这项工作的更广泛影响涉及研究生在利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。这两个参与实验室将继续其长期的努力，让本科生和来自代表性较低的少数群体的学生参与这项研究。

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.