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Development of Streptomyces Bacteria as Lignocellulose Biorefineries

The search for renewable energy sources that are alternatives to fossil fuels is critically important. A validated strategy in this context is the use of microorganisms to convert plant biomass into high‐value biofuels. Microbial conversion of the cellulose and hemicellulose components of plant biomass into biofuels is at the vanguard of bioenergy technology. An inherent limitation of this technology is that these carbohydrates represent only 60–70% of plant biomass. The remaining component of plant biomass, lignin, is under‐utilized in part due to its highly stability. Currently used fuel‐producing microorganisms cannot degrade this heterogeneous, aromatic polymer. The efficiency of microbial conversions of plant biomass into biofuels can only be maximized if cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin are all consumed. While fungi have been the foci of most studies of lignin catabolism, bacteria are also have this capability. Given the utility of bacteria in biotechnology and the ease with which they can be genetically engineered, studies of bacteria that degrade and consume lignin are particularly valuable. Prominent among the ligninolytic bacteria are members of the Streptomyces genus. This talk will describe our progress in understanding the catabolism of the lignin component of plant biomass by Streptomyces bacteria and our efforts to engineer these organisms as lignocellulose biorefineries.