Researchers have developed a new process to screen microorganisms for new enzymes that could make pulp and paper processes greener and cheaper. Lignin — one of the main components of wood — is hard to break down and usually requires treatment with harsh chemicals. However, some microorganisms use enzymes to break down lignin in nature.
The new screening process uses a biosensor to ‘sniff out’ the breakdown products of lignin and environmental DNA sampling to identify not only which organisms are carrying out the transformation, but which enzymes and genes they are using to do so.
If implanted into other organisms, these genes and enzymes could lead to greener processes for the pulp and paper industry.
Original research paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (U.S.A.) on June 20, 2014.
Names and affiliations of selected authors
