Ultra-Thermostable Cellulases from Acidothermus Cellulolyticus: Comparison of Temperature Optima with Previously Reported Cellulases

The recent discovery of Acidothermus cellulolyticus genus novum, species novum, ATCC 43068, a moderately thermophilic, aerobic, cellulolytic bacterium in wood samples recovered from the acidic hot springs of northern Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, affirms the notion that hitherto unknown microflora exist in nature in areas of extreme environment. We recently found that the filter paper degrading enzymes (cellulases) produced by this new bacterium possess the highest temperature tolerance reported to date. The significance of this finding lies in the moderate temperature, by comparison, for optimal cell growth required by the Acidothermus microorganism and in the potential for industrial application of the thermotolerant cellulase enzymes it produces.