Identifying novel genes to improve lignocellulosic biomass as a feedstock for bioethanol

摘要: The dwindling reserves of fossil fuels, coupled with the environmental consequences burning these mean that a more sustainable alternative is required. Bioethanol produced from lignocellulosic biomass an attractive candidate for replacement liquid transportation fuels. Lignocellulosic composed plant cell walls, which are extremely resistant to digestion. Converting this fermentable sugars bioethanol production therefore requires energetic pretreatment and expensive enzyme applications. To make commercial reality, conversion efficiency needs be improved one approach doing so produce crops susceptible hydrolysis. end, study used forward genetic objective identifying genes affect digestibility biomass. A chemically mutagenised population model grass Brachypodium distachyon was screened saccharification industrial cellulases. This revealed 12 mutant lines heritable increases in saccharification. Characterisation mutants range different alterations wall composition. Interestingly, number showed no change lignin content, thought major contributor recalcitrance. These results show can significantly through distinct modifications wall, giving potential combining than biofuel obtain even higher ethanol yields. Furthermore, mutations seem have little effect on growth, development or stem strength, important traits crop field performance. Candidate causal three high been identified characterisation mutated has begun. In long term, will enable subsequent examination orthologous relevant cereal production.