Applying Synthetic Biology Principles to Increase Biocellulose (BC) Production

WP-2333

Objective

This SERDP project is a collaborative effort among scientists at Shaw Environmental, Inc. (Shaw), the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW), and the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division-China Lake (China Lake). The key objective of this project is to apply the tools and techniques of synthetic biology to create a biocatalyst for the production of high purity biocellulose (BC) and to develop a scalable process to produce this material for use in critical Department of Defense (DoD) applications. The biocellulose will subsequently be formulated into military grade nitrocellulose (NC) to evaluate its characteristics and conformity to military specifications.

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Technical Approach

This project will use a multi-pronged approach to increase the production of high purity biocellulose. Synthetic biology will be used to construct a bacterial strain that has controllable cellulose producing machinery. The process will involve genome sequencing and manipulation of cellulose synthesis genes. Metabolic modeling will be used to identify genetic targets that can be manipulated to optimize carbon and energy flow to enhance biocellulose yields. Modifications will include changes in anabolic and catabolic pathways to allow the strain to utilize low cost feedstocks (e.g., waste glycerol from biodiesel production) as carbon and energy sources to support cellulose synthesis. The fermentation conditions required to optimize and eventually scale-up biocellulose production will be assessed. Batches of biocellulose produced at various stages during the project will be analyzed for key parameters (e.g., crystallinity, purity), and used to make and test military grade nitrocellulose and nitrocellulose-based propellants using new small-scale formulation testing methods currently employed at China Lake.

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Benefits

The key outcome of this project will be a biocatalytic system for the production of high purity biocellulose for use in military propellants. The system will be designed to be scalable, reproducible, and cost-effective through the combination of high biocellulose yields and utilization of low cost “waste” feedstocks. Ultimately, this research will add to the scientific knowledge base regarding cellulose producing bacteria and cellulose synthesis control. With the ability to increase cellulose production to an industrial scale, other non-DoD uses of biocellulose, such as functional papers and textiles, medical implants, and food additives, may be developed and realized. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2016)

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Points of Contact

Principal Investigator

Dr. Mark Fuller

CB&I

Phone: 609-895-5348

Fax: 609-895-1858

Program Manager

Weapons Systems and Platforms

SERDP and ESTCP

Document Types

  • Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
  • Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
  • Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
  • Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
  • Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
  • Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
  • Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
  • Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
  • Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.