In situ characterization of the genomic content of viruses of methanogenic archaea in organic waste fermentation bioprocesses. VIRAME

VIRAME aims at characterizing in situ the genomic diversity of viruses of methanogenic archaea in anaerobic digesters, thanks to state-of-the-art molecular ecology approachesOrganic solid waste is emerging as an attractive resource for the production of biofuels and synthons through anaerobic bioprocesses. However, waste matrix is complex, heterogeneous, and temporally variable and such features contribute to the complexity of their valorization: organic waste biorefinery is currently in the exploratory research phase. To orientate fermentation pathways and establish stable processes, new sensitive operational levers are required. Viruses could thus serve as basis for the development of biocontrol tools specifically targeting certain functional microbial groups. In other sectors, including the medical field, agro-food-sector and waste water treatment, viruses and their components are indeed already used or considered for biocontrol applications. Regarding waste biorefinery, methanogens are particularly detrimental to the production of molecules more valuable than methane (e.g. ethanol, butanol) but viruses of methanogenic archaea are poorly characterized so that the development of such strategies is currently not possible. Project VIRAME thus aims at characterizing in situ the genomic content of viruses infecting methanogens within anaerobic bioprocesses for organic waste valorization.