Syntrophothermus

Syntrophothermus is a genus of bacteria in the family Syntrophomonadaceae. The genus contains a single species, Syntrophothermus lipocalidus, which was first isolated from a thermophilic anaerobic digestion system.

Taxonomy

The genus Syntrophothermus is classified under the family Syntrophomonadaceae, in the order Clostridiales, class Clostridia, phylum Firmicutes, and domain Bacteria. The genus contains a single species, Syntrophothermus lipocalidus.

Characteristics

Syntrophothermus lipocalidus is a thermophilic bacterium, meaning it thrives in high-temperature environments. It is also anaerobic, meaning it does not require oxygen to grow. The bacterium is capable of oxidizing fatty acids, specifically long-chain fatty acids, in a process known as syntrophic oxidation. This process involves the bacterium working in conjunction with a hydrogen- or formate-utilizing methanogen to break down the fatty acids.

Habitat and Isolation

Syntrophothermus lipocalidus was first isolated from a thermophilic anaerobic digestion system. This type of system is often used in the treatment of wastewater, where the high temperatures and lack of oxygen provide an ideal environment for thermophilic anaerobic bacteria like Syntrophothermus lipocalidus.

Role in Biotechnology

Due to its ability to break down long-chain fatty acids, Syntrophothermus lipocalidus has potential applications in biotechnology, particularly in the field of bioenergy. By breaking down fatty acids, the bacterium can help to produce biogas, a type of renewable energy.

File:Syntrophothermus lipocalidus.jpg

Syntrophothermus lipocalidus, a thermophilic anaerobic bacterium.

See Also

• Syntrophomonadaceae
• Anaerobic digestion
• Biogas