Extremely thermophilic cellulolytic anaerobes from Icelandic hot springs

Anaerobic enrichment cultures with Avicel as substrate and inoculated with biomat samples from Icelandic hot springs were cultured at 70 degrees C or 78 degrees C and examined for the presence of microorganisms that produce extracellular cellulolytic and xylanolytic enzymes. From four enrichments grown at 78 degrees C eighteen strains were isolated. Five of the strains were screened for their substrate utilization, and on the basis of differences in morphology and substrates used, the two most unique strains were selected for further characterization. All cellulolytic cultures were rod-shaped and non-sporeforming. Motility was not observed. Cells stained gram-negative at various stages of the growth phase. During growth on Avicel, most cultures produced acetate as the major fermentation product, with smaller amounts of lactic acid and ethanol. Carbon dioxide and hydrogen were also produced. The phenotypic characteristics of the enrichment cultures and of isolates are described and assessed in relation to temperature and pH in the hot spring environment. A comparison is made between Icelandic strains isolated in our laboratory and strains isolated from hot springs from other parts of the world. The biotechnological potential of this group of bacteria is briefly discussed.