Dr. Bo Zhang

Bo studies the carbon metabolism of anaerobic gut fungi, with a focus on identifying and characterizing key enzymes involved in converting low-value plant biomass into value-added fermentation products such as hydrogen, formate, acetate, and succinate. Using a combination of genomic analysis, biochemical characterization, and metabolic phenotyping, Bo investigates the metabolic pathways within the fungi’s mitochondria-derived organelles (hydrogenosomes). These enzymes are essential for improving genome-scale metabolic models and represent promising targets for genetic engineering to enhance fermentation yields.

In addition to his work on anaerobic gut fungi, Bo has experience studying anaerobic bacteria, protozoa, and methanogenic archaea.