Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering Commons^™

Bioprospecting For Genes That Confer Biofuel Tolerance To Escherichia Coli Using A Genomic Library Approach, Timothy Tomko

Graduate College Dissertations and Theses

Microorganisms are capable of producing advanced biofuels that can be used as ‘drop-in’ alternatives to conventional liquid fuels. However, vital physiological processes and membrane properties are often disrupted by the presence of biofuel and limit the production yields. In order to make microbial biofuels a competitive fuel source, finding mechanisms for improving resistance to the toxic effects of biofuel production is vital. This investigation aims to identify resistance mechanisms from microorganisms that have evolved to withstand hydrocarbon-rich environments, such as those that thrive near natural oil seeps and in oil-polluted waters.

First, using genomic DNA from Marinobacter aquaeolei, we constructed …