Evaluation of Cellulose as a Substrate for Hydrocarbon Fuel Production by Ascocoryne sarcoides (NRRL 50072)

Natasha Mallette, Elle M. Pankratz, Albert E. Parker, Gary A. Strobel, Scott C. Busse, Ross P. Carlson, Brent M. Peyton

Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, USA.
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, USA.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, USA.
Department of Mathematical Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, USA.
Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/jsbs.2014.41004                

Abstract

The fungal endophyte, Ascocoryne sarcoides, produced aviation, gasoline and diesel-relevant hydrocarbons when grown on multiple substrates including cellulose as the sole carbon source. Substrate, growth stage, culturing pH, temperature and medium composition were statistically significant factors for the type and quantity of hydrocarbons produced. Gasoline range (C₅-C₁₂), aviation range (C₈-C₁₆) and diesel range (C₉-C₃₆) organics were detected in all cultured media. Numerous non-oxygenated hydrocarbons were produced such as isopentane, 3,3-dimethyl hexane and d-limonene during exponential growth phase. Growth on cellulose at 23°C and pH 5.8 produced the highest overall yield of fuel range organics (105 mg * g·biomass^-1). A change in metabolism was seen in late stationary phase from catabolism of cellulose to potential oxidation of hydrocarbons resulting in the production of more oxygenated compounds with longer carbon chain length and fewer fuel-related compounds. The results outline rational strategies for controlling the composition of the fuel-like compounds by changing culturing parameters.

Keywords

Biofuel; Cellulose; Fungal Hydrocarbons; Filamentous Fungus; Gasoline Fuel

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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