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Ultra-Thermostable Cellulases From Acidothermus cellulolyticus: Comparison of Temperature Optima with Previously Reported Cellulases

Bio/Technology volume 7, pages 817–820 (1989)Cite this article

Abstract

The recent discovery of Acidothermus cellulolyticus genus novum, species novum, ATCC 43068, a moderately thermophilic, aerobic, cellulolytic bacterium in wood samples recovered from the acidic hot springs of northern Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, affirms the notion that hitherto unknown microflora exist in nature in areas of extreme environment. We recently found that the filter paper degrading enzymes (cellulases) produced by this new bacterium possess the highest temperature tolerance reported to date. The significance of this finding lies in the moderate temperature, by comparison, for optimal cell growth required by the Acidothermus microorganism and in the potential for industrial application of the thermotolerant cellulase enzymes it produces.

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Author notes

  1. Michael E. Himmel: Corresponding author.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Applied Biological Sciences Section, Biotechnology Research Branch, Solar Fuels Research Division, Solar Energy Research Institute, 1617 Cole Blvd., Golden, CO, 80401

    Melvin P. Tucker, Ali Mohagheghi, Karel Grohmann & Michael E. Himmel

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  1. Melvin P. Tucker
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Tucker, M., Mohagheghi, A., Grohmann, K. et al. Ultra-Thermostable Cellulases From Acidothermus cellulolyticus: Comparison of Temperature Optima with Previously Reported Cellulases. Nat Biotechnol 7, 817–820 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt0889-817

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