Oklahoma State University researchers refine co-fermentation process for butanol

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, developed by Dr. Hasan Atiyeh, professor of biosystems and agricultural engineering.   

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.  

Research on producing butanol from renewable resources, especially lignocellulosic (or plant-based) biomass, is highly important when trying to address global challenges related to aviation fuel emissions and sustainability.   

There are several challenges to the widespread adoption of butanol, such as the high cost of treatment biomass and, low butanol yield during fermentation.