This year we managed to isolate a few cellulose degraders and identify them. We also did an extensive proof of concept for our plan to use microbiomes as a "mine" for enzymes and gathered evidence that it would likely work to identify cellulose degrading enzymes. We showed that an E. coli used to degrade soft-wood lumber waste would not be inhibited by the anti-microbial properties of terpenes found in tree's milled for softwood lumber. We also created a couple of new biobricks containing enzymes that we identified bioinformatically from Ruminiclostridium thermocellum, a cellulose degrader identified in the porcupine microbiome. Next year we intend to move forward with the metagenomic library and isolate more enzymes that would be useful for converting soft-wood lumber waste to a better source of fuel (ethanol) or be useful for bioremediation.

Chemical Analysis, Proof of Concept and Biobrick

What we have planned for the future