Exploring ATCC's Fungal Collection for Opportunities in Biofuel Advancement

As a leading provider of authenticated biological materials, ATCC facilitates research and development by granting access to a vast collection of scientifically credible materials. Our mycology collection, which comprises over thirty thousand fungal strains spanning 1850 genera, holds immense potential for diverse industrial applications. Currently, we are undertaking a comprehensive project to characterize the utility of our fungal collection and are providing reference-quality whole-genome sequencing data through the ATCC Genome Portal. Within our extensive collection, nearly 600 ATCC strains spanning 74 species across 45 genera have the potential for biofuel production, addressing the crucial need for sustainable energy sources. Microbial-produced biofuels offer a sustainable solution by harnessing natural metabolic pathways. Among the strains with biofuel potential, 57% are linked to lignocellulosic ethanol, 34% contain hydrocarbons usable in biodiesel production, and 9% are involved in bioethanol production. This poster highlights the symbiotic relationship between ATCC's collection and the evolving landscape of biofuel research, emphasizing the pivotal role our diverse strains can play in addressing both the global demand for sustainable energy solutions and the critical need for biofuel advancements amid depleting fossil fuel resources.