Abstract: Provided herein are methods for producing a fermentation product, such as ethanol, by co-culture of a member of the genus Paenibacillus and an ethanologenic microbe, such as yeast or E. coli. Also provided are methods for making enzymes useful in the saccharification of a pretreated lignocellulosic material. The enzymes may be made by culturing a member of the genus Paenibacillus in a composition suitable for production of such enzymes. An example of such a composition is a pretreated lignocellulosic material, for example, spent hydrolysates. Also provided are genetically modified members of the genus Paenibacillus that have been genetically modified to not produce an antimicrobial, for instance, a polymyxin E.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for producing a fermentation product, such as ethanol, by co-culture of a member of the genus Paenibacillus and an ethanologenic microbe, such as yeast or E. coli. Also provided are methods for making enzymes useful in the saccharification of a pretreated lignocellulosic material. The enzymes may be made by culturing a member of the genus Paenibacillus in a composition suitable for production of such enzymes. An example of such a composition is a pretreated lignocellulosic material, for example, spent hydrolysates. Also provided are genetically modified members of the genus Paenibacillus that have been genetically modified to not produce an antimicrobial, for instance, a polymyxin E.

Abstract: The present invention provides enriched polynucleotides, and enriched polypeptides having pectinase activity. The present invention also includes methods of using the polynucleotides and polypeptides described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides enriched polynucleotides, and enriched polypeptides having pectinase activity. The present invention also includes methods of using the polynucleotides and polypeptides described herein. For instance, the methods include producing a metabolic product, such as ethanol.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for producing a fermentation product, such as ethanol, by co-culture of a member of the genus Paenibacillus and an ethanologenic microbe, such as yeast or E. coli. Also provided are methods for making enzymes useful in the saccharification of a pretreated lignocellulosic material. The enzymes may be made by culturing a member of the genus Paenibacillus in a composition suitable for production of such enzymes. An example of such a composition is a pretreated lignocellulosic material, for example, spent hydrolysates. Also provided are genetically modified members of the genus Paenibacillus that have been genetically modified to not produce an antimicrobial, for instance, a polymyxin E.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for producing ethanol using yeast to ferment pretreated solid lignocellulosic materials such as pretreated solid lignocellulosic materials obtained from softwoods like pine. The pretreated solid lignocellulosic material is present at a concentration of at least 12% solids, and at least 30 grams ethanol per liter, preferably at least 40 grams ethanol per liter, are produced within 48 hours. In some aspects, the pretreated solid lignocellulosic material is not detoxified prior to the fermentation. Also provided herein are yeast that ferment a composition that includes pretreated solid lignocellulosic material at a concentration of at least 12% solids to yield at least 30 grams ethanol per liter, preferably at least 40 grams ethanol per liter, in 48 hours. Further provided herein are methods for acclimatizing yeast.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing a polymyxin from an isolated Paenibacillus amylolyticus, and methods for using the polymyxin, including methods for producing a recombinant polypeptide.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating plant biomass is described herein. Generally, the apparatus includes a pressurizable vessel and a heating element in thermal communication with the vessel. Also described herein are methods of treating plant biomass. Generally, the methods include heating plant biomass under conditions effective to at least partially depolymerize hemicellulose and/or cellulose present in the plant biomass. In one embodiment, the method includes heating a plant biomass substrate to a temperature of 230° C. for two minutes at a pressure of 57 psig.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing a polymyxin from an isolated Paenibacillus amylolyticus, and methods for using the polymyxin, including methods for producing a recombinant polypeptide.