Honors Theses and Capstones
Date of Award
Spring 2014
Project Type
Senior Honors Thesis
College or School
CEPS
Department
Chemical Engineering
Program or Major
Chemical Engineering
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
First Advisor
Kang Wu
Abstract
Bacillus and Geobacillus are the primary bacterium used in biotechnology industries due to their ability to excrete extracellular materials such as proteins, enzymes and other byproducts. Bacillus subtilis, has a well-characterized competence machinery, giving way to characterized genetic tools. However, a significant problem associated with working with Bacillus is the regulation of endospore formation. An alternative to Bacillus is Geobacillus, a thermophilic bacterium. Thermophiles offer significant advantages over other bacteria as host organisms in biofuel, bioremediation, and biocatalyst processes. However, the genetic tools and competency associated with Geobacillus is still unknown. Through, genetic engineering the ability of ComK to induce competency in Geobacillus is being studied. By inducing competency in this species biotechnology industries can be revolutionized.
Recommended Citation
Artale, Brittany, "Developing Genetic Tools for Geobacillus" (2014). Honors Theses and Capstones. 179.
https://scholars.unh.edu/honors/179