Articles tagged with Biofuels Production
Researchers have discovered an enzyme that enables the accumulation of p-hydroxybenzoic acid in plant cell walls, a potential game-changer for sustainable industrial chemical production. By controlling the expression of this enzyme, plants can be engineered to produce more of this valuable chemical building block.
A Colorado State University team has received a $3.2 million grant to develop ways to grow algae crops faster and improve their potential as a source of biofuels and other products.
Researchers discovered an enzyme from Amazon fungus Trichoderma harzianum capable of breaking down diverse plant biomass sugars, enhancing the efficiency of second-generation ethanol production. The enzyme's industrial use is now viable at low cost due to genetic engineering techniques.
A new study suggests that growing stinkweed as a crop could produce cleaner jet fuel with fewer environmental impacts than other biofuels. The study found that stinkweed requires less fertilizer and pesticides, resulting in lower carbon dioxide emissions and air pollution.
Lee Lynd, a renowned expert in plant biomass utilization, will lead the Advanced Second Generation (A2G) Biofuel Laboratory at the University of Campinas in Brazil. The lab aims to develop sustainable technology for producing bioethanol from agricultural products at lower costs.
Researchers developed chemical-free pretreatment methods and high-throughput phenotyping techniques for producing fuel from energycane. The studies found that energycane can produce up to 7.5 barrels of diesel per acre, surpassing soybean production, with lower costs and environmental impact.
Researchers have found that using lye and urea to break down cellulose in algae increases biogas production by over two times. The study demonstrates the potential for this method to overcome one of the biggest challenges in digesting algae, paving the way for more sustainable biofuel production.
Scientists have created a way to harness discarded plant matter, such as corn stover, into ethanol and plastics with near-industrial efficiency. By helping yeast survive industrial toxins and converting toxic aldehydes into harmless compounds, the system enables low-cost production of biofuels.
Researchers develop engineered yeast that can convert toxic cellulosic byproducts into ethanol and other chemicals, opening up a wider range of non-food feedstocks. The breakthrough could potentially substitute for 30-50% of petroleum used in transportation.
A Horizon 2020 project aims to develop an efficient biotechnological production platform that creates synergy between strain engineering strategies and microbiomes. The project will create novel treatment options in biomedicine beyond biotechnology, leveraging the resilience of microbial communities and their metabolic plasticity.
A team of researchers has installed the first seaweed farm in Puerto Rico to explore how environmental conditions influence the biological properties of cultivated macroalgae. The farm will support year-round harvesting and test the scalability of tropical seaweed farming for biofuels production.
Researchers developed a technique to redirect carbon resources from carbohydrates to lipids in microalgae, enabling large-scale lipid production even under light/dark conditions. This method could contribute to the implementation of biofuel production using microalgae.
Researchers argue that targeted policies and incentives are needed to promote perennial bioenergy crops over cheaper options, reducing nitrogen runoff and improving water quality. In contrast, a cellulosic ethanol mandate with the right policies could provide substantial economic and environmental benefits.
Researchers develop a streamlined process to convert woody biomass into ethanol, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. The technology has the potential to reduce carbon emissions and create new jobs in the bioenergy industry.
A team of scientists, including French researchers, uncovers the operating mechanisms of FAP (Fatty Acid Photodecarboxylase), an enzyme that converts fatty acids into hydrocarbons using light energy. The discovery opens up new opportunities for sustainable biofuel production and fine chemistry applications.
Researchers at KIST have created a large-scale CO2 conversion system using a sea urchin-shaped nano copper catalyst, which increases catalytic activity and yields ethylene by over 50%. The findings suggest that increasing copper hydroxide content is key to enhancing efficiency.
Researchers develop efficient method to extract protein from brewer's spent grain, producing up to 83% of original protein content. The process also yields a fiber-rich product suitable for conversion into fuels.
Research suggests that palm farmers in Indonesia can significantly increase their yields by implementing improved management practices, such as improved harvest methods, better weed control, and plant nutrition. This could lead to an 68% increase in palm oil production on existing plantation areas without expanding into new ecosystems.
A new study shows that Miscanthus grass can be grown in lower agricultural grade conditions, making it a promising biofuel option. The research found specific genes that play key roles in response to water stress across different Miscanthus species.
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a 'genome scalpel' to efficiently produce sustainable biofuels from sunlight and CO2 by removing non-essential genes from microalgae. This approach could lead to more efficient production of biomolecules like biofuels, with potential applications in renewable energy and redu...
Thomas Schwartz is advancing his dissection of the Lebedev process, a multi-step chemical reaction used to make butadiene from biomass-derived ethanol. Understanding this process will help create new catalysts for increased butadiene yield.
A study suggests that growing perennial grasses on abandoned cropland could counteract climate change by producing biofuels. The research found that 83 million hectares of areas previously used for food production are now available for biofuel cultivation, which could meet between 11-68% of current bioenergy needs.
Engineers from Aarhus University and MIT have enabled the biological synthesis of high-yield industry-relevant production of climate-neutral drop-in fuels from biowaste using an unusual light-dependent enzyme. The discovery proves that fatty acyl-CoA is the preferred reactant for the enzyme, leading to a 89% conversion rate into alkanes.
A study by a cross-border team of researchers confirms that biofuels can contribute significantly to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The study highlights the potential of switchgrass cultivation for cellulosic ethanol production as comparable to reforestation and grassland restoration on a per-hectare basis.
A chemist from RUDN University developed a silica-supported heteropolyacid system that can produce ethers from waste lignocellulose products, increasing their production efficiency by 4-10 times. This method reduces energy consumption and makes biofuel manufacturing cheaper.
Researchers have developed a powerful, low-cost method for recycling used cooking oil and agricultural waste into biodiesel, and turning food scraps and plastic rubbish into high-value products. The new catalyst can make biodiesel from low-grade ingredients containing up to 50% contaminants.
Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences HQ found a pH-dependent switch in the interaction between protein molecules dockerin and cohesin, allowing for more complex biological switches. This discovery has potential applications in biofuel production, biotechnology and synthetic biology.
Researchers from Japan's Institute for Molecular Science have described a bacterial cellulose degradation system in detail, revealing its similarities and differences with the fungal system. The study found that the bacterial system exhibits higher processivity, enabling faster cellulose degradation.
A new study by Colorado State University predicts significant climate benefits from advanced biofuel technologies, accounting for carbon flows and comparing them to grasslands and forests. The team found clear strategies for biofuels to have a net carbon benefit, particularly in regions where planting trees is not an option.
Biofuel production from former cropland or pasture yields comparable GHG mitigation to reforestation; future improvements enhance benefits. Advanced biofuels could achieve up to 4 times greater GHG mitigation than reforestation, according to the study.
Researchers at the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) have developed a low-cost platform for producing enzymes that break down biomass into fermentable sugar for biofuel conversion. The enzyme cocktail, produced by genetically engineering a fungus, has significant potential industrial applications.
Researchers have developed a method to produce the coral-antibiotic erogorgiaene in a laboratory using genetically optimized bacteria. The production costs are significantly lower than conventional methods, making it an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative.
Researchers discovered a new chemical approach using lithium hydroxide as a catalyst, enabling efficient production of biodiesel from cooking oil waste. The method achieved an average yield of 90% and showed promising results for future studies on biofuel production.
Researchers argue that agriculture's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is overstated and may even have a net positive effect on the climate. Per Frankelius proposes seven measures to reduce emissions while advancing sustainable agriculture.
Researchers at KAIST developed a novel approach to modulate local CO2 concentration in gas-diffusion electrode-based flow electrolyzers. This method improves the selectivity, conversion rate, and electrode stability, promoting C-C coupling reactions for multi-carbon molecule production.
Researchers at KIST and international partners develop a new biofuel production process that uses genetic engineering to remove lignin, a major obstacle in biofuel production. The innovative process also utilizes bio-derived deep eutectic solvents and analysis technology to ensure economic feasibility.
Canadian researchers have created a sustainable biodiesel production method that utilizes sewage sludge and glycerol, lowering the cost of production by over 90% compared to traditional methods.
Researchers at Rutgers University develop innovative ammonia-salt based solvent that rapidly dissolves plant fibers, slashing enzyme use by up to 50-fold. The process can reduce biofuels production costs and extract more lignin from plant waste.
Research collaboration discovers genetically modified poplar trees can grow and produce biomass without emitting harmful isoprene. The modification allows trees to adjust to climate stress through natural seasonal cycles, retaining their growth potential. This breakthrough could lead to more sustainable forest plantations.
Researchers have developed a process to transform waste sugar cane and wheat straw into valuable chemicals, increasing value by 5000-fold. The new method produces high-value building blocks for food industry and pharmaceuticals directly from waste biomass in a single 'one-pot' process.
Despite increased use of mechanized harvesting, aerosol and ozone particle concentrations remain unchanged since the prohibition of burning sugarcane in 2002. The researcher suggests that greenhouse gas emissions and particulate matter come from other sources.
A stretchable and flexible biofuel cell has been developed to power wearable electronics using human sweat. The device continuously lights an LED and opens avenues for the development of reliable and efficient energy sources. Researchers are now seeking to amplify the voltage provided by the biofuel cell to power larger portable devices.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology discovered a protein involved in TAG production under phosphorus-depleted conditions. This finding has the potential to improve TAG yield and make biofuel production more efficient and cost-effective.
Researchers have discovered that pea gin can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and fossil energy consumption. By using peas instead of wheat grain, distilleries can produce carbon-neutral gins with minimal environmental impact.
ETH Zurich scientists create synthetic biology approach to make biotechnological production processes more efficient and regulate hormonal activity through cell therapy. They successfully control bacteria's growth rate despite disruptions, paving the way for applications in medicine, including cancer immunotherapy.
Researchers have developed a new strain of microorganisms that can efficiently produce fatty acids and biodiesels from glucose. The resulting strains produced the highest concentrations ever reported by microbial fermentations, making them a potential game-changer for sustainable energy production.
Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences create a chemocatalytic approach to produce cellulosic ethanol, achieving an ethanol yield over 40% in a one-pot process. The new method could overcome limitations on ethanol concentration and show great potential for practical production.
Researchers have identified genes responsible for eucalyptus oil production, enabling the potential use of eucalyptus as a renewable fuel source. This breakthrough could enable faster and more efficient domestication of eucalyptus trees for biofuel production.
Scientists at Kobe University created a metabolic pathway and engineered enzymes in microbes to optimize pharmaceutical raw material production. They used a 'Design, Build, Test, Learn' workflow to systematically optimize production processes, resulting in improved alkaloid yields.
A new study estimates that air pollution from corn production causes 4,300 premature deaths in the US each year, resulting in a monetized cost of $39 billion. The health damages vary by region, with some areas experiencing greater damage than their market price.
Brazil is expected to increase its soybean production by up to 39% to satisfy China's increased demand, which could lead to dramatic deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. Global meat consumption must be reduced to sustainably cope with this problem, and ecological consequential costs need to be included in food costs.
Researchers at Joint BioEnergy Institute demonstrate that sustainable plant-based bio-jet fuels could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and be economically viable. The study found that optimizing the production process can lower the cost of biofuels to $2.50 per gallon, making them a viable alternative to conventional jet fuels.
ReactWell has licensed a novel waste-to-fuel technology from Oak Ridge National Laboratory to improve energy conversion methods. The technology converts carbon dioxide directly into ethanol, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional refining techniques.
University of Utah engineers create low-power sensors that can detect organic compounds emitted by corn plants when attacked by insects or weeds. These sensors will alert farmers to potential threats, potentially increasing crop yields and reducing damage to biomass production.
Researchers reveal a different internal structure of corn that can help optimize its conversion into ethanol. The discovery opens doors for new approaches to improve biofuel production efficiency.
A study by researchers at Rice University shows that well-designed policy can support the use of biochar to enhance agricultural productivity, sequester carbon, and preserve valuable soil. The federal government has existing programs that promote biochar adoption, but more investment is needed in large-scale production.
A new study from the University of Cambridge found that while British consumers are aware of the environmental impacts of palm oil, they are largely unaware of certified sustainable options. The researchers suggest that governments and companies can promote sustainable palm oil consumption by requiring transparent supply chains and pub...
Researchers have discovered that certain naturally occurring yeast strains can produce beneficial acids, improving wine taste and quality. The study focused on Lachancea thermotolerans yeast, which can be used in conjunction with traditional wine yeasts to enhance the flavor profile.
Producing bio jet fuels from forestry residues in Norway can help reduce climate impacts, but it may affect other SDGs like Zero Hunger and Clean Water. The country could potentially produce 20% of its projected jet fuel use from forest residues by 2030.
Hal S. Alper's research focuses on creating new molecules for plastics, drugs, and other products using sustainable methods. His work has the potential to significantly reduce pollution in the chemical industry.