Abstract:
This invention provides compositions for the production of butanol. Specifically, the compositions of the present invention use syntrophic co-cultures for the production of butanol from syngas.
Abstract:
This invention provides isolated polynucleotides encoding DNA Type I methyltransferase and uses thereof for improving transformation efficiencies of exogenous and endogenous plasmid DNA into Clostridial hosts.
Abstract:
Gene sequences of key acetogenic clostridial species were sequenced and isolated. Genes of interest were identified, and functionality was established. Key genes of interest for metabolic catalyzing activity in clostridial species include a three-gene operon coding for CODH activity, a two-gene operon coding for PTA-ACK, and a novel acetyl coenzyme A reductase. The promoter regions of the two operons and the acetyl coA reductase are manipulated to increase ethanol production.
Abstract:
A method for determining the presence of a contaminating organism in a fermentation process includes initiating the fermentation process using a syngas and obtaining a first aliquot from the fermentation process. The method further includes subjecting said first aliquot to a polymerase chain reaction using at least one oligonucleotide primer capable of hybridizing to a target sequence of a genomic nucleic acid from a suspected contaminating organism, producing a first amplified product based on the polymerase chain reaction, separating the first amplified product based on size, and determining the presence of the suspected contaminating organism based on the first separated amplified product.
Abstract:
A method of operating a fermentation zone for the production of ethanol from syngas uses a crotonate-like compound to prevent or reverse the effects of butyrogen contamination. The crotonate-like compound works in continuous fermentation processes to reduce or eliminate contamination from butyrate and butanol in the syngas derived ethanol product.