In Minnesota, researchers at the University of Minnesota have teamed with Crown Iron Works and Glycos Biotechnologies to develop a process that uses ethanol as a solvent with DDGS to produce fiber, protein, oil, FFAs and zein to make a high-protein feed, cellulosic ethanol, biodiesel, and glycerin—which is then also turned into ethanol. A typical […]
In France, researchers at the Centre de Recherches Paul Pascal have developed modified silica-based cellular matrices that make it possible to confine lipases (triglyceride hydrolases used as catalysts) in order to obtain exceptional yields for hydrolysis, esterification and transesterification reactions in biodiesel production. Their work had also shown that unpurified enzymes could be used in […]
In the UK, researchers at Aberystwyth University claim seaweed may become a viable biofuel feedstock, especially if harvested in summer. Carbohydrate levels in kelp are at their highest in July, when harvesting would ensure optimal sugar release for biofuel production.Researchers collected monthly samples and used chemical analysis to assess the seasonal variability of kelp off […]
In Connecticut, a team from Arbor Fuel, reported in Bioresource Technology, the first example of ethanol fermentation from lignocellulosic biomass via simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) without addition of exogenously produced cellulases. In the research, the team used an engineered derivative of s. cerevisiae yeast to convert corn stover to ethanol. The team writes that, […]
In Canada, Dr. Nader Mahinpey, with the University of Calgary is working with pyrolysis to turn the non-edible parts of plants into biofuel. The resulting oil than needs to be upgraded before it can be used as transportation fuel, so Dr. Mahinpey and his team are working on developing the upgrading processes and to turn […]
In South Carolina, Clemson University is teaming with the University of Queensland to exchange research and create a framework for a biofuels development program. The research scope includes: • Switchgrass and sweet sorghum to ethanol: Clemson will provide comprehensive access to information developed for conversion of sugar cane bagasse (the fibrous byproduct of sugar extraction) […]
In Indonesia, biologist Willie Smits has received a $100,000 grant from National Geographic to develop a prototype model of a rainforest-based system for producing biofuels from Arenga sugar palm. The trees only grow in mixed, intact rainforests, are drought-resistant and fire-resistant, and must be “bled” twice a day like a maple tree which encourages employment. […]
In Massachussets, Qteros and the University of Massachusetts Amherst announced two intellectual property (IP) advances that extend the patent estate for their unique ethanol-producing microorganism, Clostridium phytofermentans, also known as the Q Microbe. The United States Patent and Trademark Office issued US Patent 7,943,363 B2 covering genetic constructs of Clostridium phytofermentans. This patent is significant […]
In Tennessee, Oak Ridge National Laboratory reports that ionic liquids have emerged as promising new solvents capable of disrupting the cellulose crystalline structure in a wide range of biomass feedstocks. Such biomass is of particular interest as a renewable and sustainable source of fuels and chemicals, and the crystallinity of the cellulose is one of […]
In the Netherlands, the AlgaePARC facility at Wageningen UR opened, launching the BioSolar Cells research project. The facility will be exploring the semi-industrial scale use of micro-algae as a source for energy and raw materials, using four 24 square meter tanks and three small 2.4 square meter tanks to find ways to raise output and […]
