Oklahoma State University researchers refine co-fermentation process for biobutanol

In Oklahoma, researchers in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology at Oklahoma State University continue to refine a co-fermentation process resulting in the production of butanol, a biofuel made from renewable resources that can be converted into jet fuel.   

OSU received a patent in November 2021 for a co-fermentation process.

In this process, sugars are converted into alcohols, organic acids and ketones through fermentation. Gas-fermenting bacteria are introduced to capture carbon dioxide, which is also fermented to increase biofuel production. This co-fermentation method reduces environmental impact compared to fossil-fuel based butanol.   

The method involves adding natural bacteria to ferment sugars derived from plant materials. It combines sugar-fermenting and gas-fermenting bacteria, capturing carbon dioxide, which is also fermented to create more biofuels.