Discovery could lead to GM biofuels

A new discovery may pave the way for more efficient genetically enhanced biofuel crops.

Researchers at the Joint BioEnergy Institute, University of California, Berkeley, and Technical University of Denmark have identified an enzyme used in the production of beta-1-4 galactans in plants.

Pectin, most commonly known as a vital ingredient in jam, is the glue that holds plant cells together and is an important component in biofuel.

However, there are an estimated 70 enzymes that catalyze pectin production but only three have previously been identified.

The greater the understanding scientists have of these enzymes, the more able they will be to boost the production of pectins that are most suitable for biofuel.

Biofuel analysis of these different pectin compounds has revealed that those with beta-1-4 galactan, which is a chain of six-carbon sugars, are better for biofuel as they are more easily converted into ethanol.

During the research, the team scanned enzymes for galactosyltransferases, the enzymes that link six-carbon galactose sugars into a chain, and identified a group called GT92.

Reducing these GT92 proteins led to a reduction in beta-1-4, while increasing caused a sharp uptick.

Lead scientist Henrik Scheller said that the ramifications of the new discovery could be far-reaching.

“Bioenergy crops with high β-1,4-galactan content would have significant advantages for the biofuels industry and we now have the knowledge to specifically increase β-1,4-galactan content in the biomass of cell walls," he said.

The expert added that the team is very excited by the discovery, which was only possible due to the collaboration between Feedstocks Division at JBEI and its Danish counterparts.

Although biofuel research is vital, few countries currently use it as standard in cars.

Brazil, however, is an exception and from May is actually predicting an increase in the amount of ethanol missed with gasoline in service stations across the country.

The mandatory ethanol blend would rise from 20 per cent to 25 per cent, according to Bloomberg.