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Bioengineered yeast feed on agricultural waste

Researchers at Tufts University have developed modified yeast that can efficiently consume agricultural waste biomass sugars, including xylose, arabinose, and cellobiose. This breakthrough enables the production of biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and bioplastics with a significantly reduced carbon footprint.

SourceTufts University·JournalMetabolic Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2023

Could bamboo be the next source of renewable energy?

Research suggests that bamboo can be converted into bioethanol and biogas, offering an attractive alternative to fossil fuels. The chemical composition of bamboo varies across species, highlighting the need for further research on selecting optimal species for biomass production processes.

SourceWiley·JournalGCB Bioenergy·DateJun 21, 2023

New recipes for better solar fuel production

A team of researchers from China and the UK has developed new ways to optimise the production of solar fuels by creating novel photocatalysts. These photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide with boron nitride, can absorb more wavelengths of light and produce more hydrogen compared to traditional methods.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2023

Microbes powered by electricity

Researchers at Leibniz-HKI have confirmed experimentally that bacteria use electrons from hydrogen to produce organic compounds. This breakthrough could make microbial electrosynthesis (MES) a commercially viable technology, producing ethanol and other fuels while storing excess electricity. The study optimized the process for high yie...

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

Tiny microbes could brew big benefits for green biomanufacturing

Researchers have engineered bacteria to combine natural enzymatic reactions with the carbene transfer reaction, producing new-to-nature carbon products that can be used in biochemicals and advanced biofuels. This breakthrough could reduce industrial emissions by providing sustainable alternatives to chemical manufacturing processes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2023

Researchers cultivate microalgae for biofuel production

The study analyzed the growth and productivity of Botryococcus terribilis under different cultivation systems. Stress increased the production of lipids and hydrocarbons by 49% and 29%, respectively, while proteins decreased. The microalgae's metabolites have potential applications in biofuel synthesis, cosmetics, and food.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBiomass Conversion and Biorefinery·DateApr 19, 2023

Counting the cost of sunshine: Finding a better metric to measure human ecological footprints

Researchers develop 'Human Appropriation of Net Primary Production' (HANNP) metric to accurately estimate human impacts on the earth's systems. This new approach starts at the source, measuring the total biomass produced through photosynthesis and comparing it to what humans have appropriated for their own use.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalEcological Indicators·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 17, 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.

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

Rolling in benefits: New method for effective compression of plant biomass for alternate fuel and anti-viral applications

Researchers from Okayama University developed a novel mechanical compression method to squeeze maximum benefits from plant biomass. The technique reduces energy consumption by eliminating the need for thermal drying, making it ideal for on-site operation and locally grown plants.

SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of Material Cycles and Waste Management·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2023

Biofuel on the road to energy, cost savings

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have identified promising new biofuels that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60% while improving fuel efficiency or reducing tailpipe emissions. The biofuels, developed using advanced engine design, can be blended with conventional fuels to improve engine performance and meet more ...

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateNov 10, 2022

Aston University researchers ‘feed’ leftover coffee grounds to microalgae to produce low emission biodiesel

Researchers at Aston University have developed a method to produce high-quality biodiesel from spent coffee grounds by growing microalgae on the grounds. This innovative approach reduces competition with food crops and decreases greenhouse gas emissions from palm tree cultivation.

SourceAston University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

Biologists unveil clues to evolutionary origins of brown-colored algae for health, biofuels research

Brown algae's unique pigments have evolved through a complex genetic pathway, enabling them to harness more light energy than green plants. This discovery could lead to insights into fucoxanthin's health applications and improved photosynthetic efficiency for biofuels production.

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022

Recycling greenhouse gases

The TU Wien team has created a catalyst that can convert CO2 and methane into synthesis gas without the formation of carbon nanotubes. This approach, called dry reforming, has the potential to convert climate-damaging greenhouse gases into valuable products.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2022

Interactive map of metabolical synthesis of chemicals​

Researchers have developed an interactive metabolic map of bio-based chemicals, providing a versatile tool for easy assessment and optimization of synthetic pathways. The map enables exploration and analysis of complex networks of biological and/or chemical reactions, facilitating the design and production of desired chemicals.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2022

How to find 'good oil' at sea

Scientists at Flinders University have discovered a simple and effective method to extract high-value bioactives from single-cell algae oil using waste sulfur. This process can enrich saturated triglycerides, which are valuable for various applications, including biodiesel production.

SourceFlinders University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2022

Study points to Armenian origins of ancient crop with aviation biofuel potential

Research from Washington University in St. Louis reveals that camelina, an ancient oilseed crop, may have been more important and widespread than previously thought, with origins in the Caucasus region near present-day Armenia. The study's findings support breeding programs to improve this crop for biofuels applications, highlighting i...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2022

Fuel from waste wood

Researchers at TUM have developed a new process for producing ethanol from waste wood and hydrogen, resulting in a lower cost compared to traditional methods. The process has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% and can be used as a low-carbon fuel alternative.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalFrontiers in Energy Research·DateMar 29, 2022

Bacteria as climate heroes

Acetobacterium woodii bacteria can efficiently metabolize CO2 into formate, providing a sustainable alternative to oil-based products. This process can be genetically modified to produce ethanol or lactic acid, enabling the recycling of CO2 and carbon monoxide.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalMetabolic Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021

Using microbes to make carbon-neutral fuel

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a way to train microbes to produce a readily usable biofuel from CO2, solar panel-generated electricity and light. The resulting n-butanol is an authentically carbon-neutral fuel alternative that can be used in blends with diesel or gasoline.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2021

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.

Engineers discover way to turn organic waste into renewable biofuel additives using radiation

Researchers at Lancaster University have developed a new method to generate renewable biofuel additives from organic waste using nuclear radiation. This process could help increase the proportion of petrol with renewable content from 5% to 20% by 2030, reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change.

SourceLancaster University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021

Scientists discover zeolite-tailored active site proximity for efficient production of pentanoic biofuels

Researchers design a new strategy for producing pentanoic biofuels by synthesizing Ru metal nanoclusters confined within zeolite Y. This approach boosts chemoselectivity and promotes catalytic activity. The findings extend the notion of 'the closer, the better' into biomass catalysis.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 1, 2021

Marginal land available for bioenergy crops much scarcer than previously estimated

A recent study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment suggests that bioenergy crops can be produced on economically marginal land. The research team estimated that 1.4-2.2 million hectares in the rainfed region are suitable for bioenergy crop production on such land.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 1, 2021

Team develops bioprocess for converting plant materials into valuable chemicals

A team of scientists developed a bioprocess that efficiently converts plant matter into high-value bioproducts, overcoming a major hurdle in lignocellulosic biofuels. The process uses xylose and acetate as carbon sources, resulting in significant increases in TAL production and biomass accumulation.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021