Cellulose synthesising complex 'could hold key to biofuel composition'

Researchers have been studying the cellulose synthesising complex in order to maximise returns from biofuel composition.

Previous biofuel analysis has found that the cellulose in plant cell walls which is used to manufacture biofuels resists decomposition, which makes it difficult to extract for use. This new research has pointed to the formation of plant cellulose as holding the key to maximising returns from plant sugars.

The new research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, has managed to develop a method for observing different aspects of the cellulose synthesising complex by tagging it with a fluorescent marker and imaging the tagged protein. They did this using a technique that allows individual complexes to be seen and studied in living cells, producing an unusually high level of resolution.

The results showed that some of the molecules in this process actually interfere with plant cell wall building. The mutant genes discovered by the team produced cellulose with lower crystallinity, which was more easily digested. This is the process necessary for conversion to fuels.

Co-author Dr Ehrhardt of Carnegie University said: "The team made a connection between the structure of the proteins that produce cellulose, and the structure of their product."

"This is a first step in understanding how this important property of cellulose may be regulated, opening possibilities for development of useful biomaterials and for cellulosic biofuel crops."

Posted by Lauren Steadman