METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR IMPROVING THE PRODUCTION OF PRODUCTS IN MICROORGANISMS

• US 20100035320A1
• Filed: 07/28/2009
• Published: 02/11/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 07/28/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Qteros, Inc., University Of Massachusetts
• Original Assignee: University Of Massachusetts
• Inventors: Schmalisch, Matthias, Blanchard, Jeffrey, Leschine, Susan, Fabel, John, Petit, Elsa
• Granted Patent: US 7,943,363 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 435/170
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 9/2437 Cellulases (3.2.1.4; 3.2.1.74; 3.2.1.91; 3.2.1.150)
• CPC Class Codes: C12P 7/065 with microorganisms other than yeasts
• CPC Class Codes: C12P 7/08 produced as by-product or from waste or cellulosic material substrate
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 50/10 Biofuels, e.g. bio-diesel
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 50/30 Fuel from waste, e.g. synthetic alcohol or diesel
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 435/842 Clostridium

Abstract

Methods and compositions are provided for improving the production of products, such as fuel products like ethanol, in microorganisms. In particular, methods and compositions are described for improving ethanol production utilizing genes identified in Clostridium phytofermentans.

Claims

1. A product for production of a biofuel comprising:

a lignocellulosic biomass, a microorganism that is capable of direct hydrolysis and fermentation of said biomass, wherein said microorganism is modified to provide enhanced activity of one or more cellulases.

4. The product of claim 1, wherein said microorganism is a species of Clostridium.

5. The product of claim 1, wherein said microorganism is Clostridium phytofermentans.

6. The product of claim 1, wherein the microorganism is non-recombinant or recombinant.

2. The product of 1, wherein said microorganism is capable of direct fermentation of five carbon and six carbon sugars.

3. The product of claim 2, wherein said microorganism is a bacterium.

7. The product of claim 2, wherein the microorganism comprises one or more heterologous polynucleotides that enhance said activity of one or more cellulases.

8. A product for production of a biofuel comprising:

a carbonaceous biomass, a microorganism that is capable of direct hydrolysis and fermentation of said biomass, wherein said microorganism is modified to provide enhanced activity of one or more cellulases.

9. The product of claim 8, wherein the microorganism is capable of producing fermentive end products, a substantial portion of which is ethanol.

10. The product of claim 8, wherein the microorganism is capable of producing fermentive end products that comprise lactic acid, acetic acid, and formic acid.

11. The product of claim 8, wherein said microorganism is capable of uptake of one or more complex carbohydrates.

12. The product of claim 8, wherein said biomass comprises a higher concentration of oligomeric carbohydrates relative to monomeric carbohydrates.

13. The product of claim 8, wherein said one or more cellulases is selected from is selected from the group consisting of Cphy3367, Cphy3368, Cphy0218, Cphy3207, Cphy2058, and Cphy1163.

14. The product of claim 8, wherein said one or more cellulases is Cphy3367.

15. A process for producing a biofuel, the process comprising:

(a) contacting a carbonaceous biomass with;

a microorganism that is capable of direct hydrolysis and fermentation of said biomass, wherein the microorganism is modified to enhance activity of one or more cellulase enzymes; and

(b) allowing sufficient time for said hydrolysis and fermentation to produce a biofuel.

16. The process of claim 15, wherein said one or more cellulase enzymes is selected from is selected from the group consisting of Cphy3367, Cphy3368, Cphy0218, Cphy3207, Cphy2058, and Cphy1163.

17. The process of claim 15, wherein said microorganism is capable of uptake of one or more complex carbohydrates.

18. The process of claim 15, wherein said biomass comprises a higher concentration of oligomeric carbohydrates relative to monomeric carbohydrates.

19. The process of claim 18, wherein said hydrolysis results in a greater concentration of cellobiose and/or larger oligomers, relative to monomeric carbohydrates.

20. The product of claim 15, wherein said one or more cellulases is Cphy3367.

21. The isolated nucleotide according to SEQ ID NO:

1.