Sun Grant/TAES Internal Research Project

Identification of Insect Digestive Enzymes for Biomass Degredation

Juan Luis Jurat-Fuentes, Dept. of Entomology and Plant Pathology (PI)
Brenda Oppert, USDA

Abstract:
The main goal of this proposal is the identification of novel cellulases from insect digestive fluids with the potential to be incorporated in the biotechnological transformation of plant material to biofuel. Because grassy plants (switchgrass) and wood are being considered as potential sources of biomass for biofuel production, our work will be focused on insects that naturally feed on grassy plants, grains, or wood, as potential sources of biomass for biofuel production. The expected result of this project is the cloning and characterization of insect cellulases that would be used for the design of biotechnological approaches to efficient biofuel production from plant material.

Funded: July, 2007
Projected End Date: July, 2009

Reports and Publications:
None to date