Antarctic fungi show potential for biofuels and industrial enzymes
In Brazil, Sciencemag reports scientists have discovered 47 cultivable fungal isolates in wood, fabric, rope and soil from the historic Whalers Bay site on Antarctica’s Deception Island. The fungi produced cold-active enzymes including amylase, cellulase, inulinase and pectinase, which could have applications in food processing, detergents, textiles and other industries while reducing energy-intensive heating. Particularly interesting for biofuels were two isolates of the yeast Solicoccozyma terricola, which produced intracellular lipids when grown on glucose. Previous research indicates the species can achieve lipid yields approaching those of palm oil, suggesting potential as a future microbial-biofuel feedstock.
Category: Research
