Hot microbes for industrial pathways Microorganisms are a potential goldmine of genetic material to be harnessed for use as industrial catalysts, many under inclement conditions. Researchers from the project PYRED have isolated a gene for an enzyme that yields organic products which form the basis of many manufacturing processes. Health © Photodisc The microbe Pyrococcus furiosus (P. furiosus) is an amazing life form. It has an optimal growth temperature of 100ºC, a temperature normally used to inactivate most microorganisms. It is highly resistant to radiation and has a very speedy doubling time. Project partners from PYRED aimed to capitalise on the extraordinary properties of hyperthermophiles like P. furiosus and isolate the enzymes responsible. As part of this research, partners from the University of Wageningen identified a gene, adhD in P. furiosus. This sequence produced an enzyme that promises to be a valuable tool in the field of industry. The catalytic activity of the enzyme increases up to the expected 100ºC in line with its natural habitat - the hot sand by sulphurous springs. Not only does it possess high thermostability but it was found to display a broad substrate specificity. The researchers found that it prefers the reduction of ketones and the oxidation of secondary alcohols. Analysis with gas chromatography showed that the predominant adhD product was 2-pentanol when 2-pentanone was used as a substrate. The secondary alcohol, 2-pentanol has many industrial applications. In the bid to reduce the use of harmful global warming fossil fuels, 2-pentanol is an important biofuel and is an alternative to petrol. It is also used as a solvent for the coating on CDs and DVDs.
