Efficient plant biomass degradation by thermophilic fungus Myceliophthora heterothallica

Ref ID: 18517

Author:

Joost van den Brink,
Gonny van Muiswinkel,
Sandra Hinz,
Rob Samson,
Ronald de Vries

Author address:

CBS Fungal Biodiversity Centre, P.O. Box 85167, 3508 AD, Utrecht, The Netherlands
Dyadic Netherlands, Nieuwe
Kanaal 7-S, 6709 PA Wageningen, The Netherlands  

Full conference title:

11 th European Conference on Fungal Genetics

Abstract:

Rapid and efficient enzymatic degradation of plant biomass into monomeric sugars is currently a major challenge
for sustainable production of biochemicals and biofuels. The best studied and most widely used plant8208;degrading
enzymes are produced by Trichoderma and Aspergillus species, and they are most effective over a temperature
range of 40 – 50°C. As a consequence, these moderate temperatures have long reaction times for complete
saccharification of plant biomass. It would therefore be desirable to have elevated hydrolysis temperatures using
thermostable enzymes. The collection at the CBS Fungal Biodiversity Centre contains several thermophilic fungi,
which produce thermostable enzymes up to 708208;80°C.
A screening of 32 thermophilic species resulted in several candidates with interesting plant8208;degrading enzymes.
Particularly the genus Myceliophthora contains isolates with rapid growth on complex polysaccharides. We
elucidated the phylogeny of Myceliophthora isolates and distinguished 10 different species, of which four are
thermophilic. The isolates with the fastest growth on crude plant material were divided in two species: M.
thermophila and M. heterothallica. The new phylogenetic classification of M. heterothallica isolates was further
supported by physiological differences between the two species. Also, in contrast to M. thermophila isolates, M.
heterothallica has a functional sexual cycle. M. heterothallica isolates were studied in detail for their ability to
release sugars from crude plant biomass. Furthermore, crossing experiments between M. heterothallica isolates
resulted in offspring with an even higher potential in rapid and efficient enzymatic degradation of plant biomass.

Abstract Number: PR8.18

Conference Year: 2012

Link to conference website: http://www.ecfg.info/images/Abstract_Book_Electronic.pdf

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