Genetically engineered fungus boosts biofuel production

In India, researchers at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology genetically modified a fungus in order to increase the production of enzymes helpful in converting cellulose into simple fermentable sugars. ICGEB’s research could help produce double the amount of biofuel from agricultural waste materials. The genetically engineered fungus could be a valuable alternative for the current enzyme options used for biofuel production and could use any type of agricultural waste as feedstock.

Disrupting a control mechanism called carbon catabolite repression helped the scientists to increase the production of enzymes that are involved in converting cellulose into sugars and, thus increased the production of biofuels. Lead author of the study Syed Shams Yazdani told the Hindu Business Line, “We have not only found a way to double the quantity of enzymes available, but also improved their quality, leading to increased biofuel production.”