CSU scientists awarded $3.2M to make algae a better crop
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.
Biomass Production
Articles tagged with Biomass Production
Enzyme from Amazon fungus could enhance efficiency of second-generation ethanol production
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.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeNews article·DateAug 4, 2021
Biofertiliser for better farms
Scientists create biofertilizer made from fast-growing freshwater cyanobacterium Tolypothrix, which can fix nitrogen without additional fertilization. The production process offers a cheap and renewable source of nitrogen-rich fertilizer for degraded soils.
Oxygen-vacancy-mediated catalysis boosts direct methanation of biomass
Researchers developed an efficient method for direct methanation of lignocellulosic biomass using Ru/TiO2 catalysts, achieving selectivity above 95% at temperatures below 200°C. The oxygen-vacancy-mediated catalysis process couples biomass oxidation with hydrogenation to produce biomethane.
SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJoule·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 27, 2021
Dartmouth Engineering professor selected to direct new Brazilian biofuels lab
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.
Carbon-neutral 'biofuel' from lakes
Lakes store huge amounts of methane, which has a global warming potential 80-100 times greater than CO2. Researchers at the University of Basel suggest extracting and using this methane for sustainable energy production, potentially meeting world's energy needs.
'Keep off the grass': the biofuel that could help us achieve net zero
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.
Artificial cyanobacterial biofilm can sustain green ethylene production for over a month
Researchers have developed an artificial cyanobacterial biofilm that can sustainably produce green ethylene for up to 40 days. The biofilm's design limits cell growth, promoting efficient light utilization and biomass allocation towards ethylene biosynthesis.
Researchers turn algae leftovers into renewable products with flare
The study by UC San Diego researchers develops a scalable method to produce microalgae-based polyols from waste oils, creating valuable monomers for sustainable bio-plastics. The team also converts co-products into food flavoring and fragrance molecules, with economic value.
Valorizing wastewater can improve commercial viability of biomass oil production
Researchers at University of Illinois develop six approaches to treat hydrothermal liquefaction aqueous phase, including separation of chemicals and bioelectrochemical systems. These methods aim to valorize the wastewater byproduct, highlighting potential for sustainable oil production.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalProgress in Energy and Combustion Science·DateApr 17, 2020
Impacts of cover crop planting dates on soil properties after 4 years
Research investigated cover crop biomass production and soil properties in the eastern Great Plains. Early-planted cover crops had minimal effects on soil properties after 4 years, with low biomass production.
Triple-threat genetic toolkit aids with eco-friendly chemical production
CABBI researchers have developed a triad of innovative tools to engineer low-pH-tolerant yeast Issatchenkia orientalis for production of valuable bioproducts. The three tools facilitate genetic expression, DNA assembly, and stability in the yeast strain, enabling its use as a robust organic acid producer.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateMar 27, 2020
New metabolic engineering strategy for effective sugar utilization by microbes improves bioproduction of polymer raw materials
Researchers developed a new strategy to control both target chemical production and microbe propagation, boosting muconic acid yield. The Parallel Metabolic Pathway Engineering approach allows for independent utilization of sugars for microbe growth and target chemical production.
Life Cycle Assessment pinpoints 'sustainability hotspots' in bio-chemical production
Researchers used Life Cycle Assessment to identify environmental hotspots in the production of lactic acid, a key bioplastic. The study found that heavy solvent usage and black energy consumption can negatively impact sustainability. Additionally, the development phase is crucial for identifying and addressing these hotspots.
Reducing forest isoprene emissions
Field trials show that suppressing isoprene production in poplars has no significant impact on woody biomass production. The findings suggest that isoprene emissions can be diminished without affecting productivity in temperate forest plantations.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020
Poplars genetically modified not to harm air quality grow as well as non-modified trees
Researchers genetically modified poplar trees to reduce negative impacts on air quality, finding they can grow as well as non-modified trees. The study suggests that these modifications may help improve biomass productivity and plant health without impairing growth.
SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020
Poplar genetically modified not to harm air quality grow as well as non-modified trees
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.
Factors in sea-spray aerosol production
The study reveals climate models may overestimate aerosol particle numbers by a factor of 4 to 7 and underestimate radiative energy scattering by a factor of 2 to 5. Sea-spray aerosol production is closely tied to sea-surface temperature and phytoplankton-related biomass.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2019
Fe metabolic engineering method succeeds in producing 1,2,4-butanetriol sustainably from biomass
The study successfully overcomes two bottlenecks in the production process by optimizing iron metabolism and using KdcA as a decarboxylase. The engineered yeast strain produces 1.7g/L of 1,2,4-butanetriol, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based production.
Improving plant photosynthetic efficiency
Researchers discovered that prolonging phototropin photocycle enhances light sensitivity of chloroplast movement and leaf positioning in Arabidopsis thaliana, leading to increased biomass under low-light conditions. This finding suggests a strategy for improving photosynthetic efficiency and crop yields.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2019
Protecting the field of dreams
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.
New method more than doubles sugar production from plants
A new chemical method developed by Jeremy Luterbacher's lab at EPFL stabilizes simple sugars, preventing degradation and increasing yield. This breakthrough could accelerate the emergence of renewable consumer products.
Multiple facets of biodiversity reduce variability of grassland biomass production
Research shows that multiple facets of biodiversity, including species richness and plant evolutionary history, jointly reduce annual variation in grassland productivity. High-species-rich communities with diverse histories exhibit reduced biomass production variability.
SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 28, 2018
Advanced biofuels can be produced extremely efficiently, confirms industrial demonstration
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a method for producing advanced biofuels through gasification, which could replace 10% of the world's aviation fuel. The technology can be applied to existing plants and could produce 346 TWh of biogas per year if sufficient biomass is available.
Walleye fish populations are in decline
A study published in the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences found that walleye production in Wisconsin lakes decreased by 27% between 1990 and 2012. Climate change, habitat degradation, and harvest rates are likely contributing factors to the decline.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateMar 29, 2018
One-step production of aromatic polyesters by E. coli strains
Researchers developed a novel strategy to produce aromatic polyesters from Escherichia coli strains using microbial fermentation and synthetic biology. The engineered E. coli strain can produce various high-valued aromatic polyesters from renewable biomass, offering a sustainable alternative for the bio-plastic industry.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2018
NREL develops novel method to produce renewable acrylonitrile
Researchers at NREL have created a novel catalytic process to produce renewable acrylonitrile using 3-hydroxypropionic acid, achieving unprecedented yields and eliminating production of hydrogen cyanide. The new method offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional petroleum-based production processes.
Cultivating marine biomass
A team of UC Santa Barbara scientists will receive funding to develop and test technologies that monitor large-scale giant kelp farms. They will combine existing technology to enable farm managers to carefully monitor kelp beds and maximize yields.
New biofuel technology significantly cuts production time
Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a new biomass pretreatment technique that significantly reduces production time for biofuels, making them safer and more efficient. The new method can produce methane 172 per cent faster than traditional processes using forestry waste products like Douglas fir bark.
From terrestrial and marine bioresources and wastes to value-added products
This review article showcases the potential of biomass and its derived wastes in producing sustainable bioproducts and fuels. The authors highlight various conversion processes, including bioethanol, biodiesel, and biomethane production, as well as activated carbon manufacturing from bioresources.
SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalRecent Innovations in Chemical Engineering (Formerly Recent Patents on Chemical Engineering)·DateMay 31, 2017
Rising temperatures threaten stability of Tibetan alpine grasslands
A new study finds that warming temperatures affect the stability of Tibetan alpine grasslands, threatening forage production and livestock reliance. Climate change also disrupts species synchrony, jeopardizing well-adapted ecosystems.
Algal residue -- an alternative carbon resource for pharmaceuticals and polyesters
Researchers found that algal residue can be converted into vital chemicals, including alkyl lactate and levulinate. This process opens up new potential uses for algae biomass as a carbon resource beyond biofuels.
Plants that soak up sun more quickly could improve crop yields
Researchers have identified a way to manipulate photosynthesis in plants to increase light-harvesting ability and biomass production. The modified plants outperformed controls by 11-14% under fluctuating light conditions, with greater leaf area and plant height.
The flexible way to greater energy yield
A team of international scientists found that feeding biogas reactors at longer intervals produces more biogas, increasing methane and total biogas yields by up to 14% and 18%, respectively. The flexible feeding management approach has no negative effect on the stability of the biogas production process.
SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 17, 2016
Improving biorefineries with bubbles
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new pretreatment method using sodium percarbonate and hydrodynamic cavitation to improve sugar formation in biomass. The method outperformed existing ultrasonic systems in producing fermentable sugars.
Calculating the growth of eucalyptus plantations from the cloud
A new cloud software tool called EucaTool estimates eucalyptus production in Galicia. It allows users to calculate growth and future production by measuring four stand variables.
One-stop shop for biofuels
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.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJan 19, 2016
Barley straw shows potential as transport biofuel raw material
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.
Discovery by Virginia Tech may be breakthrough for hydrogen cars
A team of Virginia Tech researchers has discovered a way to produce hydrogen fuel using a biological method that reduces the time and money required for its production. The new method uses abundant corn stover to create hydrogen with extremely low carbon emissions.
Light-emitting diode treatments outperform traditional lighting methods
Researchers found that specific LED treatments were more effective than high-pressure sodium lighting for greenhouse tomatoes, increasing fruit and biomass production. The study's results show that LEDs can be customized to target specific wavelengths used by plants, leading to improved plant growth.
Lawrence Livermore scientists discover bacterial resistance to improve biofuel production
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.
Global warming may increase methane emissions from freshwater ecosystems
New research suggests that rising temperatures will increase methane fluxes from freshwater ecosystems, a key component of global methane emissions. This finding highlights the importance of understanding biological methane fluxes to predict the response of this component to global warming.
Biomass research collaboration seeks to improve biofuel efficiency, bio-products quality
Researchers at Kansas State University are part of a $6.5 million collaboration to refine biomass conversion into better biodiesel, jet fuel, and other value-added products. The project aims to optimize every component used in the production cycle for closed-loop systems without emissions.
Hydrothermal liquefaction -- the most promising path to a sustainable bio-oil production
Researchers have developed a high-efficiency process that converts various biomass types into crude bio-oil, yielding an energy efficiency of 85-90%. The process is environmentally friendly and accepts all kinds of biomasses, with potential to replace fossil fuels in transportation.
Highly efficient production of advanced biofuel by metabolically engineered microorganism
A Korean research team uses systems metabolic engineering to improve butanol production in Clostridium acetobutylicum. The optimized process yields over 585g of butanol from 1.8Kg of glucose, making biofuel production cost-competitive.
'Semi-dwarf' trees may enable a green revolution for some forest crops
Researchers have developed semi-dwarf trees through genetic modification, which can improve wood production, biomass production, branching, water-use efficiency, and root structure. The modified trees can also be more resistant to drought stress and better sequester carbon.
Water-wise biofuel crop study to alter plants metabolic, photosynthesis process
A multi-institutional research project aims to develop water-use efficient biofuel crops by altering the photosynthesis process of plants. The goal is to produce biomass that can be readily converted to biofuels while minimizing competition with food crops.
Ecosystems cope with stress more effectively the greater the biodiversity
A study by University of Zurich botanists and ecologists found that higher biodiversity aids stress resistance in ecosystems. Systems with more species can maintain biomass production longer under moderate stress, while those with few species are more negatively impacted as stress increases.
Chemical engineers at UMass Amherst find high-yield method of making xylene from biomass
Chemical engineers at UMass Amherst have discovered a new method to produce p-xylene with an efficient yield of 75%, using most of the biomass feedstock. The process creates the same chemical used in petroleum-based plastics, but from renewable biomass sources.
Novel plastics and textiles from waste with the use of microbes
The Academy of Finland Centre of Excellence develops microbial cells to produce organic acids for industrial applications, including manufacturing bioplastics and medical materials. The method allows for efficient conversion of plant biomass sugars into sugar acids and their derivatives, offering alternatives to oil-based raw materials.
Catalyzing new uses for diesel by-products
A new catalytic process at Cardiff University converts hydrocarbons from diesel production into oxygenated aromatics, including phthalic anhydride and coumarin. This breakthrough could lead to less waste and the creation of more useful chemicals for various industries.
Improving sugarcane ethanol production -- the 'midway' strategy
Researchers introduce the 'midway' strategy to produce sustainable ethanol from sugarcane, minimizing impacts on biodiversity. The approach involves biotechnology, genetically improved crops, and policies supporting sustainable land management.
Single, key gene discovery could streamline production of biofuels
A team of researchers at DOE's BioEnergy Science Center has pinpointed the single gene controlling ethanol production capacity in a microorganism. This breakthrough discovery could lead to developing biomass crops that produce higher concentrations of ethanol at lower costs, addressing our reliance on imported oil.
SourceDOE/US Department of Energy·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2011
Ben-Gurion U. part of expert consortium to create Israeli Renewable Energy Center
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is part of a new consortium creating the Israeli Center for Research Excellence in renewable energies. The team will focus on developing energy-rich biomass as a biofuel feedstock and exploring innovative solutions for sustainable energy production.
A billion tons of biomass a viable goal, but at high price, new research shows
The study concludes that replacing 30% of petroleum consumption with biofuels by 2030 is technically possible, but the cost will be high, with biomass prices ranging from $140 to over $200 per metric ton. The research team identified miscanthus and switchgrass as promising high-yielding crops for biomass production.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·DateFeb 16, 2011
Growing sorghum for biofuel
Researchers at Iowa State University found that single-cropping sorghum grass yields more ethanol than double-cropping systems. The study suggests using sorghum as a sole crop could meet up to 25% of the US energy needs, surpassing corn-based fuels.
Charcoal takes some heat off global warming
A study suggests that biochar, a charcoal-like substance made from plants and organic materials, can sustainably offset up to 12% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Biochar holds onto its carbon for hundreds or thousands of years, keeping greenhouse gases out of the air longer.
Flax and yellow flowers can produce bioethanol
Researchers found that flax can produce up to 0.3 kg of ethanol per kg of dry biomass, but its overall environmental impact is lower than Brassica carinata. Bioethanol from these sources can help mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gases.
SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateNov 20, 2009
A genome may reduce your carbon footprint
A new study published in The Plant Genome suggests that acquiring cheap genome sequence data can improve the quality of feedstocks used to create biofuels, potentially reducing carbon footprint. This could lead to more sustainable high-yield production with minimal inputs.
Researchers find nature's shut-off switch for cellulose production
Purdue University researchers identified a role for small-interfering RNAs in regulating and shutting down primary cell wall growth, which may enhance total plant biomass. This discovery could lead to increased cellulose production for plant-based biofuels.