Self-Destructing Pond Scum Could Provide Good Biofuel

Cynobacteria, whom we know better as pond scum, could prove to be very useful, at least as a high yield source of biofuel. Scientists at the Arizona State University have been able to genetically engineer the bacteria into an easier biofuel source with high yield. Researchers achieved these results by adding genes from the bacteriaphage to the cynobacteria.

The bacteriaphage is known to be a “mortal enemy” of the bacteria, and with its genes inside, the cynobacteria soon explodes into self destruction. This self destruction however, is the key to this process. These cynobacteria dissolve from inside out, making it much easier to access the biofuels. Also, these bacteria have a higher yield as compared to conventional biofuel sources in use, so that just makes the process all the more beneficial.

Genes from the bacteriaphage cause the production of bacteriaphage-like enzymes. These enzymes then dissolve the protective membranes of the bacteria from within. The process is not ready for large scale use as of yet, but if all goes well, a high yield source of fuel could be available soon.

Source: Inhabitat

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