Models, mechanisms and metagenomics for lignocellulosic ethanol production.
Plants have evolved an efficient process, photosynthesis, for conversion of sunlight into usable energy. Most of the energy available for human use (coal, petroleum, and firewood) is derived from either ancient or current photosynthesis. Although the use of most biofuels is currently carbon negative or carbon neutral (that is, as much or more carbon is released into the atmosphere than is captured in the fuel), lignocellulosic energy conversion of perennial grasses like switchgrass has at least a seven-fold benefit in carbon capture, mostly by the roots and rhizosphere of the unharvested portions of the plants. We are involved in several consortia of projects that will attempt to improve the efficiency of lignocellulosic ethanol production so that it will be less expensive than current petroleum-based projects.
The approach taken has three components. The first is development of foxtail millet (Setaria italica), an important grain of Northern China and Mongolia, as a model for switchgrass and other perennial grasses. We are collaborating with the Joint Genome Institute (DOE) in the sequencing and annotation of this genome. We are also working with other groups to improve the transformation, genetic maps and other components of the genetic/genomic toolkit for this species. Second, we are cloning and characterization genes from switchgrass and foxtail millet that are known to be involved in both the quality and quantity of biomass produced by these species. Third, and finally, we are employing metagenomic analysis of the microbial components of the switchgrass rhizosphere to find the microbes that will help sustain and promote high biomass quality and yields in this perennial crop.