Biofuels Production
Articles tagged with Biofuels Production
Australian researchers unlock path to scaling gas made from waste
A new research study by Australian energy companies and waste management firms has shown how organic waste can be safely turned into clean gas for homes and businesses. The team identified critical specifications for optimal biomethane quality, making it more cost-effective to produce.
One pot process to convert sugarcane waste to jet fuel
A joint project between The University of Queensland and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi has led to the development of an eco-friendly process to convert sugarcane waste into biofuel. PhD candidate Ms Neethu Joshikumar successfully tested a one-pot method using deep eutectic solvent, reducing electricity and time requirements.
POST-PURPLE launches to advance zero-waste urban biorefineries
POST-PURPLE aims to convert urban wastewater and organic waste into valuable resources through innovative bio-based technologies. The project will demonstrate practical pathways toward cleaner, more circular urban biorefineries and reduce diffuse emissions.
Novel approach to a key biofuel production step captures an elusive energy source
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a novel approach to recover native lignin structure in plants, enabling higher yields of valuable materials with lower energy inputs. This breakthrough advances biofuel production by providing a key component for conversion to other valuable products.
Aviation fuel production from tomato residues
The ToFuel EU project develops a new biorefinery concept to convert tomato residues into sustainable aviation fuel, fertilizer, animal feed, and nutritional oil. The process aims to be waste-free, climate-neutral, and economically competitive.
A silver lining in sewer sludge: Volatile fatty acids
A new study reveals a way to produce short-chain volatile fatty acids (VFA) at lower cost by adding hydrogen peroxide to sewage, which can then be reclaimed for use in manufacturing and agricultural processes. Light exposure further enhances the efficiency of this process.
Giving food waste fermentation a ‘jolt’ increases chemical production
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that adding an electrical jolt to fermentation increases the yield and speed of platform chemicals from industrial food waste. Combining two bacterial species also enhances targeted chemical production and produces hydrogen gas as a byproduct, reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
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.
MSU scientist partners on biofuel policy for a carbon-neutral agricultural future
A team of economists and scientists proposes a groundbreaking 'climate-smart' biofuel policy to promote low-carbon biofuels, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance soil carbon sequestration. The policy aims to reward farmers for adopting climate-smart agricultural practices, such as no-till farming and precision agriculture.
Poplar tree discovery could help shape the future of energy and biomaterials
A University of Missouri-led study has uncovered how poplar trees can naturally adjust a key part of their wood chemistry based on changes in their environment, supporting improved bioenergy production. The discovery sheds light on the role of lignin and its potential to create better biofuels and sustainable products.
Can enzymes from fungi be used to extract plant components for biofuels and bioplastics?
Researchers discovered that fungal enzymes cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) and lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO) can efficiently degrade plant biomass, allowing for the extraction of valuable components. This breakthrough suggests a promising method for using diverse, non-edible plant biomass in biotechnology applications.
Scientists discover a new way to convert corn waste into low-cost sugar for biofuel
Researchers at Washington State University have discovered a new way to produce sugar from corn stalks and other crop waste using an ammonium sulfite-based alkali salts process. This method allows for the efficient conversion of cellulosic biomass into sugar, making it a potentially cost-competitive alternative to traditional methods.
Difficult and costly energy transition unless the EU invests in biomass
Biomass is crucial for Europe's ability to reach its climate targets, providing both energy and negative emissions. Excluding biomass from the European energy system would increase costs by 169 billion Euros per year.
EU awards €8 million to advance solar fuel technologies through SUN-PERFORM and Solar to Butanol – S2B Projects
The European Commission has awarded €8 million to two projects, SUN-PERFORM and Solar to Butanol – S2B, to develop highly efficient bio-inspired technologies for renewable fuel production. These innovations target hard-to-electrify sectors like aviation and shipping, aiming to significantly reduce Europe's carbon emissions.
CABBI team deploys robotic lab to revolutionize plant bioengineering
Researchers use a new pipeline to make genetically engineered plants with improved oil production, reducing labor and time in the process. The FAST-PB platform integrates automation and single-cell lipidomics to accelerate plant transformation.
An answer to green energy in hydrogen-generating marine microbes
Researchers found two new types of gene clusters capable of producing large volumes of hydrogen in marine bacteria. The study suggests that the diversity in these clusters is related to speciation and ecological niches, with some species producing higher levels of hydrogen than others.
KAIST provides a comprehensive resource on microbial cell factories for sustainable chemical production
Researchers at KAIST evaluated industrial microbial cell factories to identify suitable strains and optimal metabolic engineering strategies. Using genome-scale metabolic models, they calculated maximum theoretical yields and achievable yields under industrial conditions for 235 bio-based chemicals.
Hydrothermal liquefaction of sewage sludge: a promising solution for circular bioeconomy
The study finds hydrothermal liquefaction effective in breaking down complex organic compounds, producing high-energy density bio-oil and reducing pollutants like microplastics and pharmaceutical residues. Further research is needed to optimize HTL processes and explore alternative catalysts and solvents to enhance efficiency and reduc...
Researchers see breakthrough with biofuel
Researchers from UC and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have made a breakthrough in understanding how alcohol damages microbes that produce it. The study reveals the primary location of toxicity is in the cell membrane, which can be stabilized to increase efficiency in biofuel production.
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.
Engineering biological reaction crucibles to rapidly produce proteins
Biomedical engineers at Duke University have developed a new technique that traps together cellular machinery to increase protein production rates. This approach uses synthetic disordered proteins to form compartments called biological condensates, which enhance the rate of protein production by bringing together biomolecular machinery...
Climate change and the future of lignin production
Rising temperatures alter lignin deposition in plant cell walls, requiring adaptive strategies for a resilient supply chain. Understanding regional variations, exploring alternative sources, and developing climate-resilient plant varieties are crucial to mitigate the effects of global warming.
Global research on hydrothermal pretreatment: A green leap for biorefineries
A comprehensive bibliometric analysis reveals a steady increase in global research on hydrothermal pretreatment, with China leading the way. The technology has gained significant attention for its environmentally friendly approach to breaking down lignocellulosic biomass and producing biofuels.
Climate change's impact on lignin production: A growing concern for industries
A new review highlights temperature's influence on lignin biosynthesis in plants, impacting global warming and sustainable resource management. Lignin's traditional applications are being supplemented by emerging uses in advanced materials and nanomaterials.
Eco-friendly biomass pretreatment method yields efficient biofuels and adsorbents
A new biomass densification technique increases bioethanol production efficiency by up to 95% sugar retention and 90% enzymatic sugar conversion. The method also utilizes biomass residues as effective bio-adsorbents for dye wastewater treatment, achieving removal rates of over 90%.
Enhanced ethanol production from cyanobacteria via genetic and metabolic engineering
Researchers achieved significant improvements in ethanol yields by genetically modifying cyanobacteria to optimize carbon flow and overexpress key enzymes. Modified strains produced ethanol at rates between 0.24 and 3.8 g/L, demonstrating robust performance improvements.
Breakthrough in biofuel production: Rhodococcus strain N1-S transforms succinic acid production
Researchers from Nanjing Tech University developed Rhodococcus strain N1-S, which enhances the degradation of toxic compounds in lignocellulose derivatives. The strain boosts succinic acid yields by 6.5 times, promising a more efficient path to sustainable biofuels.
CRISPR/Cas9 modifies euglena to create potential biofuel source
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University used CRISPR/Cas9 to create a strain of Euglena that produces wax esters with shorter carbon chains, improving their cold flow and suitability as a biofuel feedstock. This breakthrough could potentially replace petroleum-based production of wax esters with biological sources.
Turning glycerol into gold: a new process makes biodiesel more profitable
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a highly selective and efficient glycerol electrooxidation process that converts waste into high-value three-carbon compounds. Higher borate concentrations improved selectivity for these products, reducing the need for additional processing.
ISU studies explore win-win potential of grass-powered energy production
A research team at Iowa State University is studying how to efficiently turn harvested grass into lucrative renewable natural gas, creating wins for farmers, businesses, municipalities, and society. The analysis finds that renewable natural gas is the most economically practical focus, with a lower carbon footprint compared to traditio...
Are sustainable aviation fuels truly sustainable?
A new study provides detailed estimates of land use change emissions for six sustainable aviation fuel production pathways, highlighting the importance of crop location and management. The results show that jatropha and miscanthus have lower DLUC emissions, while soybeans may not meet CORSIA's sustainability criteria.
New discovery boosts bioethanol production efficiency and profits
Researchers at DTU Biosustain have developed a new technique to monitor contamination in bioethanol production, revealing how strain dynamics impact process performance. The study could lead to significant improvements in efficiency and environmental benefits, with potential applications beyond bioethanol production.
From waste to value: The right electrolytes can enhance glycerol oxidation
Researchers have found that choosing the right electrolyte significantly increases the efficiency of the glycerol oxidation reaction in PEC reactors. The study used a PEC cell with photoanodes made of nanoporous bismuth vanadate and tested acidic electrolytes, finding that certain cations and anions improve photocurrent, stability, and...
Scientists engineer yellow-seeded camelina with high oil output
A new, high-yielding variety of camelina has been engineered with a gene that increases oil production by 21.4%. The modified seeds have lower levels of flavonoid compounds and mucilage, but higher levels of genes involved in oil synthesis.
New resource pinpoints inner workings of sorghum plant cells
A new resource has been created to provide a deeper understanding of the bioenergy crop sorghum and its potential for genetic modification. The study identified gene expression patterns in sorghum stem cells, which can help researchers design cell-type specific promoters for targeted gene expression.
More efficient bioethanol production might be possible using persimmon tannin to help yeast thrive
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University discovered that persimmon tannin improves the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the presence of ethanol. The antioxidant properties of persimmon tannin limit oxidative damage, allowing yeast to thrive and increasing bioethanol production efficiency by 8.9-fold.
New technique by NUS scientists to transform waste carbon dioxide into high-value chemicals achieves cost reduction of about 30%
Researchers from NUS have developed a novel technique that converts waste carbon dioxide into value-added chemicals and fuels. The method uses a nickel catalyst and acidic electrolytes, achieving an efficiency rate of over 99%. This innovation has the potential to reduce costs by up to 30% and is adaptable for different industrial needs.
For sustainable aviation fuel, researchers engineer a promising microorganism for precursor production
Scientists used advanced computing tools to engineer Pseudomonas putida for isoprenol production, achieving the highest reported yield. The research paves the way for a sustainable bioproduction process for jet fuel by optimizing isoprenol production in P. putida.
Why is breaking down plant material for biofuels so slow?
The study reveals that cellobiose fragments can bind to the tunnel's back door and block subsequent cellulose molecules, as well as bind to Cel7A near the front door, preventing enzyme binding. New methods could be developed to fine-tune this process, improving biofuel production efficiency.
Biofuels could help island nations survive a global catastrophe, study suggests
Island nations like New Zealand could reduce dependence on imported fuels by producing biofuel from locally grown crops like canola. This would ensure a supply for the country's bare minimum agricultural liquid fuel needs, even in the event of a major disruption.
Rice husk can be used as a promising sustainable packaging material
Researchers have developed a biodegradable chitosan-based composite film reinforced with lignin-rich nanofibers extracted from rice husks, reducing waste and promoting circular economy practices. The material showcases improved strength, durability, and unique properties like UV-blocking capabilities.
Marine algae implants could boost crop yields
Researchers have discovered the gene responsible for producing a unique type of chlorophyll in marine algae. This breakthrough could lead to improved crop yields on less land, making it a key step towards achieving a more sustainable food supply. The study also demonstrated that a land plant can produce this specific type of chlorophyll.
Build biorefineries and let the natural world power Mexico’s economy
A new study suggests Mexico can grow its economy by building biorefineries to produce biofuels, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals from abundant organic waste materials. The research promotes the adoption of sustainable practices to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals 8-12.
CRISPR-copies: New tool accelerates and optimizes genome editing
Researchers at CABBI developed a computational pipeline for identifying CRISPR/Cas-facilitated integration sites, which can pinpoint neutral integration sites in two to three minutes. This tool enables researchers to efficiently locate all the needles that align with their specific criteria, transforming the genome editing process.
Inexpensive, carbon-neutral biofuels are finally possible
A new study reveals that introducing a simple, renewable chemical to the pretreatment step can make next-generation biofuel production cost-effective and carbon neutral. A CELF biorefinery can more fully utilize plant matter than earlier methods, resulting in sustainable aviation fuel at a break-even price of $3.15 per gallon.
New molecular toolkit boosts useful molecule production from yeast communities
Researchers at Imperial College London created a novel molecular toolkit to enhance compound production in yeast communities. The toolkit allowed them to split the resveratrol production pathway, resulting in enhanced production and more stable partnerships between yeast strains.
Microbial division of labor produces higher biofuel yields
Scientists have developed an artificial microbial community consisting of two engineered yeast strains to produce more ethanol per unit of plant sugars. The team discovered that adding the xylose-fermenting yeast specialist to the mixture first, followed by the glucose specialist, dramatically boosted ethanol production.
Researchers create light-powered yeast, providing insights into evolution, biofuels, cellular aging
Scientists engineered yeast that can harness energy from light, growing 2% faster in the light than in the dark. This discovery provides key evolutionary insights into how rhodopsins spread across lineages and has potential applications for biofuel production and studying cellular aging.
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.
Revolutionary idea by Lithuanian scientists: recycling cigarette waste to produce green fuel
Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology develop method to treat cigarette butts using pyrolysis, producing oil, char, and gas with real applications in fertilizers, wastewater treatment, energy storage, and biofuels. The process reduces biodiesel production costs by adding triacetin-rich oil as an additive.
Pushing the boundaries of eco-friendly chemical production
A team of researchers has made a significant leap forward in molecular chemistry by modifying azaarenes, unique molecular puzzle pieces crucial to many everyday products. Using photoenzymatic systems, they have discovered novel chemical reactions that were previously thought to be out of reach.
From CO2 to green chemicals—researchers are one step closer
An international team at DTU has increased the durability of CO2 electrolyzers, enabling the conversion of captured CO2 into valuable green chemicals like ethylene and ethanol. The breakthrough could play a significant role in the green transition by reducing global CO2 emissions
From sludge to fuel: Researchers are getting ready to produce green oil in Denmark
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a technology to convert wastewater sludge into potent oil that can replace fossil fuels in planes, ships, and trucks. The hydrothermal liquefaction process produces energy-rich bio crude oil with minimal waste and pollutants.
Predator-prey defence mechanisms unlock key to marine biofuel production
Researchers have uncovered the molecular mechanism behind a marine feeding strategy that could optimize biofuel production from marine brown algae. The study reveals how sea slugs and their prey co-evolved to maintain ecological balance, with potential applications in biotechnological biofuel production.
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.
Engineering of plant cell wall modifying enzymes opens new horizons
A University of Adelaide-led study introduces a new method to engineer plant cell wall enzymes, enabling the production of valuable products. The technique involves controlling specific enzymes' catalytic function to assemble, structure, and remodel plant cell walls.
Researchers track yeast population dynamics in fuel bioethanol production
The study found that despite invasive strains, all yeast lineages belonged to the ethanol fermentation environment, keeping the industrial process stable. The researchers plan to investigate yeast population dynamics in more detail, including the impact of external agents like bacteria.
Innovative breakthrough in sustainable chemical production
Researchers developed a bioelectrochemical system that efficiently converts CO2 to butyric acid and then upgrades it to butanol, a valuable biofuel. The process produces high yields with low energy requirements, offering promise for sustainable chemical production.