A digital representation of the anaerobic fungi.

Enzymes are ‘substantially better’ than current method

Fungi found in the digestive system of cows and goats could revolutionise renewable energy, according to new research.

Scientists at Harper Adams University made the discovery while looking at the potential benefits of using anaerobic fungi in the production of chemicals and fuel.

Currently a genetically-modified method is used in the process, but the strategy is complex and expensive. This is then followed by the fermentation of release sugars by yeast to produce products such as bio-ethanal.

Professor Theodorou, who is among the team of scientists carrying out the research, explains: “Renewable technologies are looking to use renewable plant biomass resources for chemical and fuel production, making us less reliant on fossil fuel.

“The objective of our work was to find an alternative, more straight-forward platform, mimicking the conversion of plant biomass to useful products in nature.”

The study, published in the journal Science, shows that enzymes found in the guts of herbivores are ‘substantially better’ than genetically-modified enzymes at converting plant biomass to sugars.

“In our work so far, we have identified hundreds of enzymes from the gut fungi, which have commercial biotechnology potential,” said professor Theodorou.

“It is because these fungi are able to survive in such a highly-competitive microbial ecosystem, where a myriad of protagonists seek to degrade plant biomass, that we believe they are so effective at their job.
 
“In the herbivores digestive system, these microorganisms convert plant biomass to sugars which are further processed as energy sources for the animal. Moreover, the gut fungi are able to achieve plant biomass conversion effectively and without the need for chemical pre-treatment.
 
“We have so far shown that some of these enzymes are substantially better than the current solution at converting plant biomass to sugars.”

The scientists say that more investment is needed to study the microorganisms, which are relatively unknown.

“They may hold the key to the renewable technology of effective biomass conversion, said Professor Theordoru. “Their full potential must be explored and exploited.”

Image (C) Harper Adams University