Mascoma co-founder repots breakthrough in fermentation: new microbe tolerates more heat, requires less enzymes, produces ethanol only

In the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, Mascoma co-founder Lee Lynd reports that a genetically-engineered bacterium, called ALK2, makes only ethanol as an organic product of fermentation, can tolerate temperatures of up to 122 degrees fahrenheit, and uses two and half times less cellulase in the process. Cellulase is an expensive enzyme used in conventional fermentation, which stays below 98 degrees to avoid killing conventional bacteria. The breakthrough promises to sharply reduce the cost of fermentation for both cellulosic and conventional ethanol production.

Free Subscription to the Daily Biofuels Digest e-newsletter

Related Stories

Sandia National lab scientists pursue microbes and enzymes that survive high temperatures; cellulosic biofuels breakthrough envisioned

Scientists at Sandia National Labs say that they are discovering microbes and enzymes that survive high-temperature and acidic conditions, and the scientists say that is a key discovery in the pursuit...

Mascoma’s CEO steps down as company’s focus on commercialization steps up

In Massachusetts, Mascoma announced that CEO Bruce Jamerson is stepping down, and Mascoma’s VP for R&D of R&D and operations,  Jim Flatt, will take the role as acting president and lead the...

Breakthrough at Mascoma holds potential for 60 percent drop in production cost of cellulosic ethanol; ‘golden dream’ of CBP is closer than thought

[caption id="attachment_11958" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Model of cellulase enzyme, produced by T. fusca, based on PDB structure 1JS4, from wikipedia."][/caption] In Massachusetts, Ma...

SunEthanol receives $100,000 DOE grant for single-step cellulosic ethanol R&D

In Massachusetts, the US Department of Energy awarded $100,000 to SunEthanol to further develop its patented C3 process, which combines hydrolysis and fermentation into a single step. The five-step pr...

Michigan State researchers develop one-step procedure for cellulosic ethanol enzymes; growing them inside the crop, instead of in bioreactors

In Michigan, researchers at Michigan State have developed a process to insert enzymes used to break down cellulose, into crops such as corn. The process, which is just beginning a testing phase, would...

Mascoma finalizes switch from Greece to Rome (NY) for pioneering cellulosic ethanol plant

In New York, Mascoma has decided to move the location of its proposed cellulosic ethanol plant from Greece to Rome (NY), citing the need to be closer to biomass sources and the suitability of the form...