A new type of enzyme discovered in Brazilian soil has the potential to change how we produce bioenergy and biochemicals. This enzyme speeds up the breakdown of cellulose, an important step in these processes. Researchers from the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), along with partners from France and Denmark, published their discovery in the journal Nature.
The enzyme was identified from microbes found in biomass residues collected in Brazilian soils. Its unique way of working and its ability to create its own co-substrate make it a powerful tool for breaking down plant materials.
“This discovery changes how we understand cellulose degradation and could revolutionize biorefineries,” said CNPEM researcher Mario Murakami. “With CelOCE, we can explore new ways to produce bioenergy, biochemicals, and biomaterials from plant biomass.”
Named CelOCE (Cellulose Oxidative Cleaving Enzyme), this enzyme improves the process of converting biomass into glucose, which is essential for creating bioenergy and biochemicals. The research went from exploring this enzyme in nature to testing it at CNPEM’s pilot plant.
In tests, CelOCE increased the release of glucose by up to 21% when used with existing enzymes. This means higher productivity and less waste during the production process.
According to the Brazilian National Agency for Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Biofuels (ANP), Brazil produced 43 billion liters of ethanol in 2023. The new enzyme could significantly boost production using residues like sugarcane bagasse and corn straw, without needing to expand farming areas. However, the exact increase in production is still unknown.
