In an attempt to reduce the cost of bio-fuel production, research has been conducted to identify techniques to modify plant cell walls.  Studies investigating the different modes of modification and degradation of cell walls have been concluded and the results are promising.

Researchers have developed a system used to examine cell walls of rice. Work has been on-going involving identification of microorganisms that can degrade rice straw. These microorganisms could lead to faster and lower cost of feedstock processing. The microorganisms would breakdown the rice straw instead of using costly methods to breakdown the material. The information concluded from this rice straw research can be applied to other agricultural wastes.

Right- Overgrowth of bacteria and fungi innoculated from soil onto pure crystalline cellulose. The pure cellulose filter is seperated from the soil by a 0.002 um membrane that allows for interaction between the soil and the cellulose habitats. The small pore size does not allow for movement of bacteria and fungi across the membrane.

Photo provided by Madhavi Kakumanu

Project Titles:

“Genetic modification of cell wall and identification of cell wall variations in nature for cost efficient biofuel production”
Dr. Zhaohua Peng

"Assessment of the diversity of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms capable of degrading lignocelluloses in rice"
Dr. Mark Williams