Orpinomyces sp.

Name of the microorganism: Orpinomyces sp. (phylum Neocallimastigomycota)

ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Biomass and Biotechnologies for Energy Laboratory, Energy Technologies Department, C.R. Casaccia, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123, Rome, Italy

The image shows the multi-stage life cycle of Orpinomyces sp., an obligated anaerobic fungus involved in herbivore digestive process. Like other anaerobic ruminal fungi, Orpinomyces sp. has an enzymatic array giving it exceptional hydrolytic capacities. It thrives in the rumen ecosystem where carries out a pivotal role in lignocellulosic fiber colonization and degradation. Accordingly, research activities are underway to improve biogas production from anaerobic digesters fed with lignocellulosic biomass, relying on a fungi bioaugmentation strategy. Micrographs obtained with different techniques: phase-contrast or epifluorescence microscopy (DAPI or Calcofluor staining).