Harnessing Plant-Invading Fungi for Fuel

Monica Kanojia (editor)

January 8, 2013

http://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=126518&org=NSF

Summary:  Endophytes live in plant tissues and they do not cause harm, sometimes there is a mutualistic relationship where the endophytes prevent the plant from a harmful bacteria. Endophytic fungi have proven to be a good source for energy. Scientists studied an endophyte known as Hypoxylon, and studied the volatile organic compounds that it produces and its antimicrobial activity and genetic makeup. The volatile organic compounds they produce can be used as fuel or a part of fuel.  The range of compounds Hypoxlon produces is important.  Different compounds have certain structures and some structures shows they can be used as fuel. Specific compounds in Hypoxlon are called monoterpenes and they are very successful fuels.  They would be more efficient and better for the environment than ethanol because monoterpenes can come from natural wastes. Also ethanol causes problems with engines and does not contain very much energy.  Scientists have talked about increasing the production of monoterpenes through bioengineering in the hope of finding a new energy source for fuel. 

Connection:  This article is related to what we have been learning about this term. It shows an example of a symbiotic relationship.  The relationship is between endophytes and plants.  It also involves fungi and how they can be useful to everyday life. Lastly, in the past we have talked about bioengineering and this an example of a real life situation in which scientists use this technology.