June 6, 2017
Feature

Unlocking the Potential of Fungal Enzymes to Break Down Plant Cell Walls

Biomass-degrading enzyme complexes could improve biofuel production

unlockpotential

Lignocellulose-degrading enzymes in fungal cellulosomes have great potential for biomass conversion.

A major bottleneck in biofuel production is the difficulty of breaking down lignocellulose-the primary building block of plant cell walls. A recent study suggests that unlike bacterial enzyme complexes for breaking down lignocellulose, fungal enzyme complexes have a more diverse functionality.

Here is the complete story.

Key Capabilities

###

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory draws on its distinguishing strengths in chemistry, Earth sciences, biology and data science to advance scientific knowledge and address challenges in sustainable energy and national security. Founded in 1965, PNNL is operated by Battelle for the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, which is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. DOE’s Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit https://www.energy.gov/science/. For more information on PNNL, visit PNNL's News Center. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Published: June 6, 2017