Thursday, August 2, 2007 - 4:30 PM
S194

Examination of cell wall degradative strategies of fungi using confocal imaging and NMR techniques

Kenneth S. Bruno1, JianZhi Hu2, Jon K. Magnuson1, and Linda L. Lasure1. (1) Chemical and Biological Process Development Group, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, P.O. Box 999, MSIN K2-12, Richland, WA 99354, (2) Structural Biology and Microimaging, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, P.O. Box 999, K8-98, Richland, WA 99354

Fungi are the most common microorganisms found colonizing and degrading plant material.   In order to effect dramatic improvements in plant biomass utilization, a better understanding of plant cell wall degradation by fungi is essential. We have initiated a study that utilizes applications of confocal microscopy in order to image growth within lignocellulosic substrates. The imaging data is being correlated with a comprehensive and highly integrated NMR analysis on both the soluble and insoluble materials. We focus on the fungal-solid material interface using a unique non-destructive real time in situ NMR technique. This integrated approach will allow us to observe the degradation of specific components of the plant substrate and relate this information to the behavior of the fungus. This study is geared toward the improvement or identification of critical organisms, key steps they take and the enzymes they use in the process of lignocellulosic deconstruction and utilization.

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