Biofuel testing reveals 'arsenal' of enzymes for cell wall degradation

Research published in Biotechnology for Biofuels has noted how continued biofuel testing reveals more and more enzymes that can contribute towards cell wall degradation.

Moreover, these enzymes are not used in isolation, but function effectively when combined with one another.

In the latest testing, scientists from Cornell University, SUNY Geneseo and the USDA Agricultural Research Service examined enzymes from fungi.

They looked particularly at the difference between pathogenic and non-pathogenic fungi - and whether their action on their normal host plant differed from that on other species' cell walls.

Following the biofuel testing, the scientists conclude that pathogenic fungi are more effective at breaking down cell walls (on six out of eight substrates used) while activity is enhanced on the host plants of a given fungus.

Biotechnology for Biofuels is concerned with all aspects of the production process, from breaking down plant matter to fermentation, conversion and fractionation of biomass.