The central quest in cellulosic biofuels production is to break down long cellulose and xylan chains into sugar molecules from lignocellulosic feedstocks. Researchers at the Vienna University of Technology have identified the molecular switch that regulates enzyme production in a fungus that is likely to reduce production costs of cellulosic biofuels production. . Biofuel manufacturing uses the Trichoderma fungus, which produces enzymes that are capable of breaking down the cellulose and xylan chains into sugar molecules. The fungus does not, however, always produce these enzymes; production must be stimulated using what is known as an ‘inductor’ (disaccharide sophorose). Sophorose as… Login to continue

Login or sign up