Key biofuel production enzyme structure revealed

Researchers have revealed a key enzyme in biofuel production.

In 2013 a University of Niigata researcher discovered cellobionic acid phosphorylase (CBAP which catalyzes the degradation of cellobionic acid to produce compounds that can then lead to further metabolism and fermentation. The process is a vital element in the production of biofuels. But how this enzyme actually worked remained a mystery.

Now, a University of Tokyo research team has revealed the three-dimensional structure of  CBAP, along with the mechanism that causes it to decompose cellobionic acid.

Cellulases are used for the microbial degradation of cellulose. This is made more efficient by the existence of oxidative cellulose-degrading enzymes such as CBAP.

The discovery of the structure and the mechanical action of is set to contribute positively to the development of biorefinery technologies which produce biofuels such as ethanol and other useful compounds.