Articles tagged with Biofuels Production
Researchers at Joint BioEnergy Institute developed a high-gravity one-pot process for producing cellulosic ethanol, achieving unprecedented yields while minimizing water use and waste disposal. The process utilizes ionic liquid pretreatment, enzymatic saccharification, and yeast fermentation.
A study from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory-based BioEnergy Science Center finds unconventional bacteria could help boost cellulosic biofuel production efficiency. Researchers analyzed six microorganisms to solubilize switchgrass, a potential bioenergy feedstock.
A new study found that second-generation biofuels, such as perennial grasses, can efficiently meet emission reduction goals without significantly displacing cropland used for food production. The researchers estimate that meeting the federal biofuels goal will reduce annual U.S. transportation emissions by up to 7-12%.
A comprehensive resource for willow cultivars has been compiled, featuring 854 cultivar epithets with accompanying information. The checklist is expected to serve a diverse constituency of users and promote the effective utilization of germplasm in horticulture and ecosystem services.
Researchers have developed a simple and inexpensive way to extract high-purity silica compounds from agricultural waste using ethylene glycol and ethanol. This process could significantly reduce carbon emissions and costs associated with traditional methods.
A UK-based research team aims to produce a yeast-derived substitute for palm oil using sustainably-sourced waste feedstocks, potentially mitigating environmental issues associated with palm oil production. The £4.4m grant-funded project will develop a novel yeast and apply innovative methods of depolymerizing waste materials.
Researchers have sequenced the complete genetic makeup of a type of algae called haptophytes, which are abundant in oceans and account for 30-40% of photosynthesis. The study reveals new insights into how these algal species regulate their fat content, which could help improve biofuel production, nutrition and ecology.
New studies on shale oil production have found that it generates greenhouse gas emissions at levels comparable to traditional crude oil production. The research analyzed the Eagle Ford and Bakken plays in Texas and North Dakota, respectively, and used a life-cycle model to estimate energy consumption and emissions.
A novel microalgae biomass technology has been developed by UniVerve Ltd., offering a scalable and cost-effective solution for the production of microalgae-biomass. The technology enables the extraction of high-quality oil, omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and other valuable biomaterials from the biomass.
Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland have found that barley straw can be effectively fermented into biobutanol, a potential alternative to ethanol. The study established optimal pre-treatment conditions for turning straw lignocellulose and barley starch into fermentable sugars that can be used in biobutanol production.
Two Korean research teams have discovered the redox-switch of thiolase, a key enzyme involved in n-butanol biosynthesis. This finding enables increased n-butanol production using metabolic engineering approaches.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered that grape waste can be converted into a competitive biofuel, producing up to 270 litres of ethanol per tonne of grape marc. The process involves fermentation and pre-treatment with acid and enzymes, which increases yields to 400 litres per tonne.
Scientists at NREL have successfully produced ethylene through photosynthesis using cyanobacteria, a breakthrough that could reduce carbon dioxide emissions and provide an alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based production. The method has been improved significantly since its initial discovery in 2010, with the goal of increasing ...
Researchers developed Hybrid Photonic-Nanomechanical Force Microscopy (HPFM) to identify materials' unique chemical 'fingerprints', mapping their properties at higher spatial resolution. The technology has potential applications in fields like biofuel production, solar energy and pharmaceuticals.
Researchers identify two transcription factors that regulate lipid accumulation in stressed algae, enabling sustainable fuels production. The study also demonstrates a strategy for overexpressing PSR1 to trick cells into producing lipids without dying.
A team of researchers from Bielefeld University created a virtual package of data for biogas production to improve its understanding. They made their research more reproducible by releasing all the data and computational methods as a shareable container, enabling others to build on these resources to study biogas generation.
Researchers are using alternative breeding methods to increase switchgrass's biomass yield, ethanol production, and reduce lignin content. The study utilizes the Smith-Hazel Selection Index to select for multiple traits simultaneously, aiming to speed up the breeding process and achieve more ideal switchgrass by 2025.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified the mechanism and structure of enzymes that produce hydrocarbons from yeast moulds. This discovery provides a new route to producing alpha-olefins, a key intermediate in various industrial applications.
The study analyzed rice straws using integrated analytical techniques, revealing the presence of cellulose and glucose. Glucose levels were found to be influenced by starch levels, paving the way for efficient production of biochemical and biofuels in the future.
A study led by Argonne National Laboratory emphasizes the significance of land management practices in retaining carbon, especially under cellulosic biofuel production scenarios. Effective management can increase soil organic carbon storage by up to 2.6% when 90% of harvest residue is returned.
Researchers at Mascoma and BESC have developed a revolutionary strain of yeast that can efficiently convert biomass sugars into fuel, setting a new standard for biofuel production. The microbe achieves 97% conversion of xylose and glucose in less than 48 hours, significantly increasing ethanol yield.
A UBC study using satellite imaging found that Latin America's agricultural expansion slowed down from 2007 to 2013, a notable decline after decades of rapid growth. The slowdown is tied to global commodity prices and may not last if the economy recovers.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change shows that growing biofuel crops can have a significant impact on climate depending on the location and crop type. The study found that the most important factor influencing the direct climate impact of biofuels is location, accounting for 90% of the variation in greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers explore using vegetable crops in bioenergy feedstock double-cropping systems, finding comparable yields and higher farm gate values than traditional pumpkin production. The study suggests potential for contributing to both food and fuel production goals.
Researchers at Washington State University have successfully produced hydrocarbons from the common black fungus Aspergillus carbonarius, a key component of petroleum-based fuels. The team hopes to commercialize this process in the next five years, making it a potentially game-changing alternative to traditional aviation fuels.
A new study found emissions of ozone-forming compounds at an Illinois ethanol refinery are 30 times higher than government estimates. Emissions from other refineries in the US may also be underestimated, potentially making them a larger source of VOCs than currently thought.
The new report provides a comprehensive analysis of the current bioenergy landscape, technology, production financing systems, and markets. It highlights opportunities for enhancing energy security and mitigating climate change through advanced biomass conversion technologies.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have created a synthetic pathway for biosynthesis of renewable propane, paving the way for its commercial production. The breakthrough uses an engineered enzyme variant to redirect microbial pathways, producing propane as a clean-burning alternative to fossil fuels.
Researchers found high-value oil-rich algae strains can grow in wastewater while removing over 90% of nitrates and 50% of phosphorus. This method addresses nutrient pollution and makes algae production sustainable.
The European Commission developed the BIOLCA tool to evaluate alternative fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It allows users to simulate life cycles, compare environmental impacts, and boost sustainability.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia have discovered five strains of yeast capable of breaking down agricultural by-products into bioethanol. This breakthrough could lead to the production of over 400 billion litres of bioethanol annually from crop waste, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Researchers developed a new yeast strain that can produce lipids at a higher rate, making it a viable platform for turning sugar into biofuels. The strain can also be used to produce oleochemicals, chemicals traditionally derived from plant and animal fats and petroleum.
Researchers at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland have successfully generated new hybrid lager yeast strains, inheriting properties from their parent species. The new yeasts accelerate fermentation processes, improve ethanol production, and enhance flavor profiles for beer.
Researchers have developed a new high-throughput system to rapidly screen yeasts for producing sustainable biofuels. The technique, in collaboration with the National Collection of Yeast Cultures, aims to find naturally better-performing yeast strains that can boost efficiency and reduce costs.
Fistulifera solaris, a diatom microalga, is found to grow quickly and produce high levels of oils simultaneously. Its genome and transcriptome analyses provide insights into its characteristics, making it an excellent candidate for batch culture biofuel production.
Scientists at Northwestern University have found a way to harvest industrially useful protein from yeast in greater quantities without increasing its production. By genetically knocking out proteins responsible for reabsorption, the team increased protein yields by two- to three-fold.
Researchers at Indiana University have discovered a way to use nitrogen gas as a nitrogen source for bioethanol-producing bacteria, increasing ethanol yield and reducing costs. This breakthrough could make cellulosic ethanol more competitive with corn ethanol and gasoline, benefiting the industry and environment.
Researchers demonstrate a system that produces both biofuel and animal feed from one crop, eliminating land-use competition for food resources. The process, known as solid-state fermentation, yields high ethanol content while producing quality animal feed with zero waste.
The new version of Argonne's WATER tool predicts water consumption associated with use of cellulosic feedstocks. The tool provides analysis down to the county level for the first time, supporting biofuel industry development and planning.
Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Joint BioEnergy Institute have successfully increased the production of methyl ketones in E. coli bacteria by 160-fold, a significant improvement over previous results. The breakthrough could lead to the development of clean and renewable blending agents for diesel fuel.
Researchers have found that using ethanol instead of methanol in biodiesel production increases the speed of reaction, allowing for greater reactor capacity. Heterogeneous catalysts are used to overcome the separation challenges associated with homogeneous catalysts.
Researchers boosted bacteria's ability to produce isopentenol, a compound with desirable gasoline properties, by identifying and overexpressing genes that improve tolerance to solvent stress. The findings suggest a promising approach to developing a bacterial strain that can yield industrial quantities of renewable bio-gasoline.
Joint Bioenergy Institute researchers improve isopentenol tolerance and production in E.coli, a key step towards cost-effective microbial biofuel production. The study identifies two genes, MetR and MdlB, that improve isopentenol production by 55% and 12%, respectively.
A team of Michigan State University scientists has discovered a protein called CHT7, which acts as a cellular snooze button controlling algae's growth and oil production. This discovery also provides insight into the early stages of cancer, offering a new model for tumor suppression and growth.
Researchers at MIT identified a method to boost yeast tolerance to ethanol by adding potassium and hydroxide ions to the growth medium, allowing for higher ethanol production. The approach increased ethanol output by about 80% and expanded to toxic alcohols like propanol and butanol.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have created thermotolerant yeast that can grow at 40 degrees, allowing for more efficient bioethanol production. This breakthrough could reduce cooling costs and increase the use of residual waste as a raw material, resulting in cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint.
Human activities, particularly palm oil production, have led to significant fire emissions in Papua and New Guinea. The cleared land, often drained peatlands, dries out during the dry season, catching fire and releasing substantial amounts of greenhouse gases.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that human gut microbes can digest fiber and ferment it into nutrients for human cells. The microbes appear to have enzymes that break down complex plant fiber components more efficiently than cow rumen microbes, which could aid in biofuels production.
The completed Canola genome sequence sheds light on its complex evolutionary history with Brassica rapa and Brassica oleracea. Researchers aim to use this knowledge to improve canola traits such as flowering time, disease resistance and nutritional content.
Researchers estimate that the reduction of soil carbon stock caused by converting pasture areas to sugarcane plantations can be offset within two or three years. The study found that the introduction of sugarcane to pasture areas can compensate for or even add to the initial soil carbon stock, depending on management practices.
A new fuel-cell concept developed by Michigan State University researcher Gemma Reguera allows biodiesel plants to eliminate hazardous wastes and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The platform uses microbes to clean up wastewater and produce bioethanol, which can be reused to make biodiesel.
A study published in Nature Climate Change found that using corn crop residue to make ethanol and other biofuels reduces soil carbon but generates more greenhouse gases than gasoline, casting doubt on its climate benefits. Researchers suggest planting cover crops or alternative feedstocks to mitigate emissions.
Researchers have genetically modified tobacco plants to increase starch and sugar production, enabling higher ethanol yields. The alternative approach could help replace declining traditional tobacco cultivation in the US and Europe.
Researchers have identified a new yeast species that travels the globe with beetles, offering hope for developing renewable fuels. Preserving biodiversity is crucial to unlock the microbial life's potential solutions to global challenges.
Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have identified a type of bacterial resistance that enables more efficient production of advanced biofuels. The discovery involves introducing a genetic module into E. coli bacteria, allowing them to grow in the presence of toxic concentrations of ionic liquids.
Researchers at Joint BioEnergy Institute have successfully introduced a pair of genes into E. coli bacteria to confer tolerance to ionic liquids, enhancing the production of terpene-based biofuels. This breakthrough could eliminate a bottleneck in biofuels production and pave the way for more economical fermentation conditions.
Researchers have engineered a bacterium to synthesize pinene, a hydrocarbon produced by trees that could replace high-energy fuels like JP-10. Boosting production six-fold over earlier efforts, the scientists believe they've identified major obstacles to overcome before pinene dimers can compete with petroleum-based JP-10.
Researchers successfully increased photosynthetic rate by 30% and turned sugarcane into an oil-producing crop. The team hopes to integrate these attributes into sugarcane to make it more productive with more photosynthesis and cold-tolerant.
The duckweed genome reveals its potential as a biofuel source, with the smallest known plant genome containing fewer than 20,000 protein-encoding genes. This reduced gene count leads to unique characteristics such as neoteny and arrested development.
The Algae Biomass Organization has published a new standard for measuring algae industry operations, establishing a common language for describing economic and environmental impact. The updated standards will help compare diverse algae technologies and their commercial production scale.