Use of a Novel Protein Expression System for Production of Lignolytic Enzymes for Membrane Immobilization

The development of heterologous protein expression platforms (that is, the ability to produce a protein from one species at high levels in a different species) has allowed for a multitude of advances in research, as well as a variety medical and industrial applications. Some challenges that remains is the limited number of systems available, particularly plant expression systems, and the ability to scale eukaryotic systems for large-scale production. We have generated a line of the moss Physcomitrella patens that reverts the plant to an undifferentiated, unicellular state that resembles single-celled algae. Potential advantages of this system include rapid growth, immortality, lack of differentiation, ease of growth, and scalability, especially compared to other plant systems. As a proof of concept we are expressing His-tagged lygnolytic enzymes for immobilization on membranes for processing of plant material into value-added products and enhanced biofuel production.