Cellulosome domains for novel biotechnological application

The functional domains of cellulosomes from cellulolytic bacteria can be exploited for an astonishing variety of both conventional and nonconventional applications. Using a combination of molecular biological technique and chemical probes, the various domains can be mixed and matched, shuffled and scrambled to create new species of functionally altered complexes. For example, biotinylated cellulose-binding domains, attached to cellulose, serves as a basis for a new, simple and inexpensive type of avidin column for use in avidin-biotin technology. In addition, the domains responsible for integrating the catalytic subunits into the cellulosome can be reorganized for incorporation of foreign types of enzyme into heterocellulosomes and/or chimeric complexes. Using this strategy, improved types of “supercellulosome” may be produced which will degrade cellulosic materials more efficiently. In the future, hybrid biomolecules, which comprise selected cellulosomal domains in conjunction with other affinity or enzymatic components, should find broad application in research, medicine and industry.