Draft genome sequence of Herbinix hemicellulosilytica T3/55T, a new thermophilic cellulose degrading bacterium isolated from a thermophilic biogas reactor

A novel bacterial species was isolated from an industrial-scale biogas plant. The isolate Herbinix hemicellulosilytica T3/55T is able to degrade crystalline cellulose. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that the isolate is closely related to environmental samples forming a hitherto unknown sub-cluster within the family Lachnospiraceae. The draft genome sequence of strain T3/55T was established and now provides the genetic basis for application of this microorganism in thermophilic degradation of lignocellulosic biomass.