Brazilian researchers find enzymes for breaking down cellulose in gut of capybaras

In Brazil, a research group at the Brazilian Biorenewables National Laboratory (LNBR), an arm of the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), conducted an interdisciplinary study involving omics (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, etc.) and synchrotron light, and discovered two novel families of enzymes with biotechnological potential produced by microorganisms in the gut of capybaras. 

Both enzyme families act on components of plant cell walls and can therefore be used to produce biofuels, biochemicals and biomaterials. One of them also has potential applications in the dairy industry because it promotes lactose degradation.