Researchers add capability to e.coli to produce super-enzymes for plant cell wall breakdown

October 1, 2010 |

In California, USDA Agricultural Research Service Western Regional Research Center chemist Dominic Wong and partners at Cargill have isolated, sequenced and cloned twelve genes that they believe can be inserted into e.coli bacteria that will produce FAE enzymes.

These enzymes are known for their ability to break down plant cell walls, which would make it easier to convert corn stover and switchgrass plant fibers into sugar, which can then be converted into biofuels.  These same enzymes may also used to aid digestion and nutritional qualities of animal feed, nutritional supplements, as well as lead to other value-added products.  Wong and his Cargill team have filed provisional patent applications for the enzymes and FAE genes.

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Category: Research

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