This equipment is for the support of an interdisciplinary effort to address both scientific issues and technological problems related to extremely thermophilic archaebacteria and their associated biomolecules. Initially, two microorganisms capable of growth at temperatures at or above 100 C (Pyrodictium brockii and Pyrococcus furiosus) will be used in these studies. Work will focus on their microbial physiology, optimization of growth rate and biomass yield, protein purification, and structure/function relationships for selected enzymes (including hydrogenases). Efforts to clone genes for selected enzymes from these thermophilic bacteria into mesophilic bacteria will also be pursued. The results from this study will be important in several areas ranging from understanding the basis for protein thermostability to the myriad of engineering problems associated with large-scale cultivation of these and related microorganisms. Among the many applications that might result from this work are the isolation of thermally stable enzymes that offer advantages over those now finding widespread use, such as proteases, amylases, lipases, ligases, polymerases, etc. These advantages include higher reaction rates, better stability, and lower sensitivity to denaturing conditions. Another interesting application of the sulfur-reducing potential of these bacteria is the removal of certain sulfur forms from coal. Opportunities involving novel biotransformations should also arise and will have to be explored as our understanding of these unique bacteria develops.
