Integrating next-generation metagenomic sequencing into giant panda conservation can provide insight into their gastrointestinal tract's (GIT) unique microbial system. GIT microflora can enhance giant panda conservation efforts through the greater understanding of microbes' involvement in digestion and their potential in producing second-generation lignocellulosic biofuels. Metagenomic analysis elucidated seventeen cellulolytic, six lignolytic, seven oleaginous, five nitrogen-fixing, and seven alcohol-producing microorganisms, and several organisms have been validated using species-specific PCR. These organisms play a major role in the giant pandas' ability to digest bamboo, but they can also be used as a pretreatment method in biofuel production. These organisms have been shown to degrade cellobiose (cellulose surrogate) and accumulate transesterifiable lipids under anaerobic conditions. Analyses indicate that cellobiose was consumed (HPLC/ELSD) and that transesterifiable lipids were accumulated (GC-FID) displaying giant panda microbes' ability to convert lignocellulosic biomass into lipids. The integration of new technologies and disciplines can substantially improve conservation efforts through advanced understanding of giant panda digestion and potential biofuel production.

Microbiome mining: Panda conservation and biofuels

246th National Meeting (2013)

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