Work Package 6: Microbial and Enzymatic Basis of Algae Polysaccharide Degradation
Algae contain particular chemical compounds, which may be converted and/or released by the activity of the rumen microbiome, which in turn may provide health benefits to the cows. Therefore work package 6 is crucial to the project. It focuses on the identification, isolation, and characterization of key microorganisms and enzymes involved in degradation of algal biomass, in particular the unique algal polysaccharides.
WP 6.1- Identification and characterization of the rumen microbiome for algal polysaccharide utilization
Towards the identification of candidate bacteria, an integrated bioinformatics approach will be carried out: Metagenome, Metatranscriptome and Metaproteome data will provide insights into the candidate microorganisms involved in algal biomass degradation. Proteins relevant for polysaccharide utilization, and even active metabolic pathways within abundant microbial groups will be identified.
WP 6.3- Enzymology of algae conversion
Putative enzymes for algal polysaccharide conversion identified in WP 6.1 and WP 6.2 will be overproduced, purified and characterized, towards an in-depth understanding of the biochemistry and metabolism of algal biomass-degrading microorganisms from the rumen.
WP 6.2- Microbiology of algae conversion
To study the pathways of algal polysaccharide degradation and conversion, it is very important not only to identify, but also to study the responsible microorganisms in pure culture. To get detailed physiological insights into the key organisms and their pathways, we will enrich and isolate glycan converting microbes, using rumen fluid from selected animals fed with algae extracts. The isolates will be characterized towards their physiological potential for algal polysaccharide utilization, involving microbiological experiments and omics analyses.
WP 6.4- Biotechnology of selected algae-converting microorganisms
Promising isolates from WP 6.2 or model organisms with introduced polysaccharide-converting pathways identified in WP 6.1 or WP 6.3 will be developed as cellular platforms towards the conversion of algal biomass to fuels or chemicals, including health-promoting compounds.
