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Some cellulases like it hot

Posted on behalf of Chloe McIvor.

Researchers at the Energy Biosciences Institute at the University of California and the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology at the University of Maryland, have characterized a form of cellulase that operates optimally at 109°C. The study found the enzyme was used by three geothermic Archaea that break down cellulose. These Archaea are described as hyperthermophiles because they grow on crystalline cellulose at temperatures above 90°C.

Archaea are collectively known for their resourcefulness; members of the group have evolved to exploit most of the possible energy sources on Earth, but surprisingly few have been found to possess cellulase. Scientists are particularly interested in finding species that break down the complex sugar at extreme temperatures because of their potential application in biofuel production.

Thermophilic cellulases have been targeted as possible catalysts for reducing the cost and complexity of the processes involved in biofuel production. Currently, temperatures must be adjusted between the pretreatment stage and the hydrolysis stage in order to accommodate for the optimal temperatures of the cellulases already in use, which tend to be around 50°C.

This recent research, published today in Nature Communications identifies and characterises the multidomain structure of this durable cellulase. The knowledge gained from this study could help improve the biofuel production process, but more research is required to determine whether any practical applications are likely to come from this particular enzyme.

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