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Pretreatment methods bring second-gen biofuels from oilcane closer to commercialization

Researchers at the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) demonstrate industrial viability of hydrothermal pretreatment for producing second-generation biofuels from oilcane lignocellulose. The study showcases an efficient method for converting oilcane into bioethanol, reducing dependence on foreign oil.

Bioprocessing method yields high-value products alongside biofuels

Researchers developed a sustainable process to recover valuable products from oilcane bagasse, generating multiple product streams. The process recovers anthocyanins and vegetative lipids for natural colorants and biofuel production, making the process more cost-effective and sustainable.

CABBI team designs efficient bioenergy crops that need less water to grow

Researchers at CABBI used genetic engineering to improve water use efficiency in climate-friendly C4 crops like sorghum and sugarcane, maximizing biomass production while minimizing water usage. The breakthrough could aid crops in mitigating drought stress and support the development of a sustainable bioeconomy.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2024

Review article shows key role of Brazil in research on sugarcane for bioenergy

The review highlights Brazil's importance in global sustainability efforts, with the country having twice as many articles on sugarcane as the US. Genetic engineering techniques need improvement to increase ethanol production while minimizing crop expansion. CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing is a promising approach for precise modifications.

New pipeline makes valuable organic acid from plants — saving money and emissions

Researchers at CABBI developed an economical method for producing succinic acid, a key chemical in food, agricultural, and pharmaceutical products, using acid-tolerant yeast. The new pipeline eliminates costly downstream processing steps, significantly reducing costs and emissions.

Researchers create formula for first synthetic sugarcane molasses with fully reproducible composition

Researchers have developed a standardized synthetic molasses with a fully known composition that can be used as a culture medium for yeast fermentation. This breakthrough enables scientists to study the influence of specific components and develop bioprocesses worldwide, facilitating comparative research and industrial applications.

CABBI researchers chart oilcane microbiome

A new study by CABBI researchers has identified the types of microbes associated with engineered oilcane, revealing diverse microbial associations that could increase oil yields for sustainable bioenergy production. The findings suggest that plant-microbial interactions play a key role in determining the composition of the microbiome.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2023

Wastewater to energy: new treatment process can improve biorefinery sustainability

Researchers at CABBI designed a new wastewater treatment process that simultaneously treats water and recovers biogas, reducing capital costs and energy usage. The process efficiently converts organic contaminants to biogas, achieving simultaneous energy recovery and wastewater treatment.

Shellac-based coating makes pulp materials suitable for food without use of petroleum based polymers or metals

Researchers have developed a shellac-based coating to improve the gas barrier properties of moulded pulp materials, making them suitable for food packaging. The coating, combined with nanofibrillated cellulose, provides superior water resistance and thermal stability, while preserving environmental sustainability.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalPolymer International·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2023

Speeding up sugar's conversion into fuel

University of Queensland researchers have found a way to more efficiently convert sugarcane into isobutanol, a chemical used in fuels, plastics, and food additives. The cell-free method produces at least 10 times the amount of isobutanol as traditional methods, offering higher yields and more control over the production process.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateJan 16, 2023

Artificial intelligence accelerates search for markers of resistance to sugarcane yellow leaf disease

Researchers used machine learning and genomics to identify molecular markers of resistance to sugarcane yellow leaf disease in over 97 sugarcane genotypes. The study found that energy cane varieties with higher fiber content are more resistant to the disease, paving the way for commercial launches.

Sweet success: CABBI demonstrates first precision breeding of sugarcane with CRISPR-Cas9

Recent innovations by University of Florida researchers at CABBI demonstrate the first successful precision breeding of sugarcane using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. This technique allows for precise changes in genes and introduces superior versions, potentially increasing productivity and sustainability.

How preprocessing methods affect the conversion efficiency of biomass energy production

A new study published in Bioresource Technology Reports examines the impact of biomass preprocessing on conversion efficiency. Researchers found that comminution and particle size play a significant role in determining energy expenditure, with miscanthus showing improved efficiency under certain conditions.

The highly complex sugarcane genome has finally been sequenced

The sugarcane genome has been sequenced using a novel method that leverages colinearity with the sorghum genome, enabling molecular screening techniques for breeding and biomass production. The reference sequence obtained is of high quality, revolutionizing genomic and genetic approaches for sugarcane species.

SourceCirad·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 11, 2018

Research shows how genetics can contribute for advances in 2G ethanol production

Researchers have identified key genes involved in enzymatic degradation of sugarcane biomass by three fungal species. The study, supported by FAPESP, provides insights into the genetic mechanisms controlling enzyme secretion and expression, paving the way for more efficient biomass breakdown and production of biofuels.

Brazilian ethanol can replace 13.7 percent of world's crude oil consumption

A study suggests that expanding sugarcane cultivation in Brazil for ethanol production could reduce global carbon dioxide emissions by up to 5.6% by 2045, while replacing up to 13.7% of world crude oil consumption. The expansion of sugarcane cultivation is proposed in areas not under environmental protection or reserved for food produc...