Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Chemistry
Date of Award
12-2025
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Robert F Standaert
Committee Members
Gregory W. Bishop, Sean J. Fox
Abstract
With rising global demand for renewable energy, enhancing microbial platforms for biofuel production is vital. This study engineered Bacillus subtilis to improve resilience to solvent stress by targeting membrane lipid biosynthesis pathways essential for integrity. Growth curve analysis (OD₆₀₀) showed that phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) knockout strains grew significantly slower than wild type (168), indicating the importance of these lipids under stress. Laurdan fluorescence spectroscopy was used to assess membrane properties. Generalized polarization (GP) analysis revealed a concentration-dependent reduction in membrane order upon 1%–2% 1-butanol exposure. GP values declined progressively from control to 2% treatment, reflecting increased membrane fluidity and disruption. These results highlight membrane destabilization by biofuels and the protective role of specific lipids. Findings inform rational design of stress-tolerant microbial chassis. Future work will refine genetic constructs to restore lipid homeostasis and expand GP analyses to additional knockouts, supporting industrial-scale B. subtilis biofuel production.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Zebede, Angela A., "Strategic Enhancement of Biofuel Production Using Bacillus subtilis as a Model Organism: A Dual Approach of Gene Essentiality Mapping and Optimization" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 4595. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/4595
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
Included in
Bacteriology Commons, Biological Engineering Commons, Molecular, Cellular, and Tissue Engineering Commons
