Manipulating Fermentation Pathways in the Hyperthermophilic Archaeon <i>Pyrococcus furiosus</i> for Ethanol Production up to 95°C Driven by Carbon Monoxide Oxidation

Abstract

Previously, the highest temperature for biological ethanol production was 85°C. Here, we have engineered ethanol production at 95°C by the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus. Using mutant strains, we showed that ethanol production occurs by different pathways at 75°C and 95°C. In addition, by heterologous expression of a carbon monoxide dehydrogenase complex, ethanol production by this organism was driven by the oxidation of carbon monoxide. A genome reconstruction model for P. furiosus was developed to guide metabolic engineering strategies and understand outcomes.