New Genus of Hydrogen-Producing Bacteria Discovered in Maharashtra Hot Spring Holds Renewable Energy Promise

Researchers at the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, have made a groundbreaking discovery in the hot spring of Aravali, located in Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. They have identified a new genus of anaerobic lignocellulose-degrading bacteria, named Sporanaerobium hydrogeniformans, which possesses the unique ability to produce hydrogen gas as a byproduct of its metabolic processes. This finding paves the way for harnessing clean and renewable energy from this bacterium.

For the past decade, ARI’s Bioenergy Group has been dedicated to studying anaerobic bacteria involved in the breakdown of lignocellulosic waste. Their research has encompassed various environmental niches, including the rumen, termite guts, compost, mangrove sediments, and hot springs, leading to the discovery of numerous novel bacterial, fungal, and methanogenic species.

In a recent publication in the journal Archives of Microbiology, researchers described Sporanaerobium hydrogeniformans and its unique hydrogen-producing capabilities. This bacterium, belonging to the Lachnospiraceae family, is known for its efficiency in breaking down complex polysaccharides, thanks to its capacity to synthesize hydrolytic enzymes. It can effectively break down cellulose and xylan, which are essential structural components of lignocellulosic agricultural waste.

What sets Sporanaerobium hydrogeniformans apart is its collection of thermostable hydrolytic enzymes, making it a valuable candidate for industrial applications. This bacterium thrives in high-temperature conditions, between 45–50°C, and an alkaline pH of 8.0. It holds potential for biohydrogen generation from agricultural residues, aligning with waste-to-energy initiatives in India.

Notably, this bacterium has the unique capability of utilizing hexose and pentose sugars simultaneously, releasing substantial amounts of hydrogen gas and byproducts, including acetic acid, formic acid, and ethanol. This dual sugar utilization makes it a vital strain for industrial biofuel production. Genomic research has also revealed a specialized metabolic pathway for converting various simple and complex substrates into hydrogen and ethanol.

The discovery of Sporanaerobium hydrogeniformans opens up exciting possibilities for long-term biohydrogen production as an alternative energy source. It underscores the importance of exploring microbes in extreme environments such as hot springs, where rare and valuable species can be found.

Scientists are optimistic that further research on this bacterium will lead to the development of innovative and efficient processes for biohydrogen gas production, potentially reducing dependence on fossil fuels.