(Ag Newswire) DuPont gave its new XCELIS™ fuel ethanol platform a colorful debut at the National Ethanol Conference last month in San Antonio, with a rainbow of pastel colored arches along the walkway to the meeting area. “XCELIS is really the way we’re approaching
enzymes
Back TO HOMEEnzymatic Construction of Highly Strained Carbocycles
by Kai Chen, Xiongyi Huang, S. B. Jennifer Kan, Ruijie K. Zhang, Frances H. Arnold (Science Magazine) Double rings made with heme -- Cyclic organic structures with adjacent three-carbon rings—bicyclobutanes—are useful starting materials for chemical and materials synthesis owing to their extreme
April 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Team Discovers Enzyme Domains that Dramatically Improve Performance
(Phys.Org/ National Renewable Energy Laboratory) It was more than 10 years in the making, but when it came to uncovering the secrets of the molecular structure of enzymes, perseverance paid off. By studying and comparing the workhorse cellulose-degrading enzymes of two
March 30, 2018 Read Full Article
DSM Announces Broad Product Offering for the Biofuels Industry
(DSM/Newswire Today) Royal DSM announces its commitment to bring innovative solutions to the biofuels industry with a full portfolio offering of yeast and enzymes for starch, fiber and biomass conversions - DSM.com. Euronext: DSM KON -- Royal DSM, a global science-based company
March 30, 2018 Read Full Article
Enzyme Discovery Enables First-Time Microbial Production of an Aromatic Biofuel
(Phys.Org/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have discovered a new enzyme that will enable microbial production of a renewable alternative to petroleum-based toluene, a widely
March 30, 2018 Read Full Article
XCELIS™ Is DuPont’s Fuel Ethanol Platform
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) DuPont gave its new XCELIS™ fuel ethanol platform a colorful debut at the National Ethanol Conference last month in San Antonio, with a rainbow of pastel colored arches along the walkway to the meeting area. “XCELIS is really the way
March 16, 2018 Read Full Article
Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference—Thoughts and Tidbits from Day 1
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The ABLC 2018 conference began at the US Department of Agriculture headquarters with a focus on feedstock. Jordan Solomon, Managing Director & CEO Ecostrat Inc.. kicked off the event with news of new US
March 01, 2018 Read Full Article
A Newly Identified Photoenzyme Helps Algae Pump Out Fuel
by Katarina Zimmer (The Scientist) The finding could lead to a new way of producing “green” alternatives to fossil fuels. -- ... Green Fuel -- Finding enzymes in nature that convert plant oils into fossil fuel–like hydrocarbons could lead the way toward
February 27, 2018 Read Full Article
Catalyst Collaboration: Argonne Accelerates Biofuel Production Technology
by Meltem Urgun-Demirtas (U.S. Department of Energy) ... With funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) totaling nearly $1.3 million since 2013, ANL researchers are using X-ray spectroscopy to move the nation closer to achieving cost-effective production
February 27, 2018 Read Full Article
SynTec: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Synthetic Biology for Tailored Enzyme Cocktails
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy is supporting a project led by Novozymes that proposes to deliver a screening platform which can be used to reduce discovery time required for tailoring enzymes to process specific contexts. It’s called SynTec — Synthetic Biology
February 27, 2018 Read Full Article
Bugging out over Exciting Enzymes Found in Ancient Insects
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In the United Kingdom, researchers at the University of York found that the ability of some insects to efficiently digest cellulose could be exploited for industrial processes, such as the production of sustainable low carbon fuels to
February 26, 2018 Read Full Article
Fungal Enzymes Could Hold Secret to Making Renewable Energy from Wood
(Phys.Org/University of York) An international team of researchers, including scientists from the University of York, has discovered a set of enzymes found in fungi that are capable of breaking down one of the main components of wood. The enzymes could now
February 20, 2018 Read Full Article
Genetically Engineered Fungus Now Squeezes out More Biofuel from Farm Waste
T V Jayannew (The Hindu Business Line) India’s efforts to enhance biofuel production may get a boost from a work being done at a research laboratory in New Delhi. Researchers at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) have altered
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Cell-Free Bio-Discovery: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to SynVitroBio
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Synvitrobio accelerates bio-discovery through cell-free systems. Synvitrobio’s Next Generation Expression platform allows for high-throughput data collection that is real and experimentally validated at speeds of simulation based approaches. A cell-free system is a mixture that contains only the
January 08, 2018 Read Full Article
NREL Research Finds a “Sweet Spot” for Engineering Better Biofuel Enzymes
(U.S. Department of Energy) Added sugar takes on a whole new meaning in the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL’s) work to uncover the secrets behind one of nature’s most powerful tools—cellulose-degrading enzymes. Researchers at NREL are seeking to unlock the bioenergy stored
December 31, 2017 Read Full Article
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology Ink MoA for Research on Bio-Fuel
(New Indian Express) After initiating the move to set up a second generation ethanol plant in Bargarh district with an investment of `750 crore, the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has partnered with Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT)
December 26, 2017 Read Full Article
NREL Research Finds a “Sweet Spot” for Engineering Better Biofuel Enzymes
(U.S. Department of Energy) Added sugar takes on a whole new meaning in the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL’s) work to uncover the secrets behind one of nature’s most powerful tools—cellulose-degrading enzymes. -- Researchers at NREL are seeking to unlock the
December 12, 2017 Read Full Article
This Is an Algorithm, That Is Alive: The Rise of Arzeda and Digital Biology
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The question is being raised all over Silicon Valley — and increasingly around the world — if biotechnology is essentially a branch of information technology. ... Investors, theorists, entrepreneurs are forming a thesis that profound improvements in the physical world
December 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Mid America Agri Products – Wheatland LLC Receives EPA Approval for Cellulosic Ethanol Using Edeniq’s Technology
(Edeniq/Business Wire) Edeniq, Inc. announced today that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Mid America Agri Products – Wheatland LLC’s (MAAPW) registration to produce cellulosic ethanol at its ethanol production facility in Madrid, Neb. using Edeniq’s Pathway technology. The
December 05, 2017 Read Full Article
Rot Is Hot to Trot: Brown Rot Fungi Cries “Tora! Tora! Tora!” to Biomass
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... When it comes to fungi, their ability to break even the most recalcitrant of hardwoods down is well-documented and anyone who has spent a day in a rainforest knows it. But there’s rot and there’s
December 05, 2017 Read Full Article
Welcome to the Protein Revolution: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Codexis
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Codexis is a leading protein engineering company that applies its technology to the development of biocatalysts for the commercial manufacture of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Codexis’ proven technology enables implementation of biocatalytic solutions to meet customer
December 04, 2017 Read Full Article
Now Deploying at Commercial Scale: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Clariant’s Sunliquid Cellulosic Ethanol Technology
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Clariant’s sunliquid technology for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into sugars, followed by fermentation to cellulosic ethanol, is flexible to be used to convert different feedstocks on a regional basis, for example corn stover in North
November 30, 2017 Read Full Article
From Conventional to Advantaged: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Aemetis
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Aemetis owns and operates 110 million gallons per year of ethanol and biodiesel facilities in the US and India, and is upgrading the plants using patented technology to produce lower carbon, higher value advanced biofuels and
November 29, 2017 Read Full Article
Provivi and the Insect Love Story that Never Happens
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Could a biotechnology succeed in reducing pests and the resultant damage to crops they bring — by making it nearly impossible for them to find mates and produce future pest generations? Provivi’s Big Series B raise What you
November 29, 2017 Read Full Article
DuPont Launches Synerxia Thrive to Increase Ethanol Yields
(DuPont Industrial Biosciences/Ethanol Producer Magazine) DuPont Industrial Biosciences has announced the launch of Synerxia Thrive Fermentation System, the newest innovation in the company’s synergistic fermentation system technologies. The new fermentation system will deliver higher ethanol yields, incomparable robustness during thermal excursions and
November 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Charting a Cellulosic Path -- Enzyme Advances Hold Promise in Corn Ethanol
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Cellulosic technology companies have invested time and millions of dollars to explore ways to convert biomass into cellulosic ethanol for the better part of 20 years. Most technologies have fallen victim to high capital and
November 22, 2017 Read Full Article
Research Is Making Plant Waste a Viable Option in Ethanol Production
by J.D. Warren (UCR Today) Relatively cheap "biomass" has been a poor option due to its production cost -- UC Riverside researchers have developed a streamlined process that could finally make the ethanol production cost from abundant “second generation” plant wastes competitive
November 15, 2017 Read Full Article
To Find New Biofuel Enzymes, It Can Take a Microbial Village
(Newswise) Berkeley Lab-led study unveils new source of robust cellulases in compost -- A new study led by researchers at the Department of Energy’s Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), based at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), demonstrates the importance of microbial communities
November 14, 2017 Read Full Article
VTT to Develop Enzymes Found in Wildfire-Prone Areas
( VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Micro-organisms found in the wildfire-prone dry tropical forests of India are an exciting prospect for biochemical production, as they are accustomed to the challenging conditions following a forest fire. The enzymes they
November 14, 2017 Read Full Article
BioFuelDB: A Database and Prediction Server of Enzymes Involved in Biofuels Production
by Nikhil Chaudhary, Ankit Gupta, Sudheer Gupta, Vineet K. Sharma (Peer J) In light of the rapid decrease in fossils fuel reserves and an increasing demand for energy, novel methods are required to explore alternative biofuel production processes to alleviate these
November 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Breaking the Bottleneck - POET-DSM Achieves Cellulosic Biofuel Breakthrough
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In South Dakota, POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels achieved a major breakthrough in cellulosic biofuels production at its Project LIBERTY plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa. The company has solved the critical challenge in pretreatment, overcoming what has been the No.
November 06, 2017 Read Full Article
BREAKING NEWS: DowDuPont to Exit Cellulosic Biofuels Business
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Delaware, DowDuPont announced that it intends to sell its cellulosic biofuels business and its first commercial project, a 30 million gallon per year cellulosic ethanol plant in Nevada, Iowa. The Nevada project is still going
November 02, 2017 Read Full Article
Clariant to Build Flagship Cellulosic Ethanol Plant in Romania: 8-Figure Sales Potential Envisioned
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Germany, Clariant’s board has approved investment in a new full-scale commercial plant for the production of cellulosic ethanol from agricultural residues using its sunliquid technology. The new plant, with an annual production capacity of 50.000
November 01, 2017 Read Full Article
Methane for Supper: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Industrial Microbes
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) iMicrobes designs and builds microorganisms, including industrial strains of bacteria and yeast to produce chemicals from natural gas and carbon dioxide. Their green, bio-based methods are “more cost effective than sugar or oil, helping to make
October 20, 2017 Read Full Article
2017’s Agriculture Revolution Is Gaining Pace, Getting Faster
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Agriculture, that is — our original industry, is being turned upside down. Data, genetics, intelligence, transmission, storage, processing, sustainability, and mobility are the drivers. Not since the heady days of the Summer of Algae almost 10 years ago has
October 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Enzymes at Work: Breaking Down Stubborn Cellulose for Biofuels
(Science Daily/Graz University of Technology) Researchers have observed enzymes breaking down cellulose to aid the production of biofuels. ... Typically, biorefineries use a mix of hydrolytically active enzymes which utilize water molecules to breakdown plant material -- as happens in natural degradation processes.
October 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Giant Bacteria Make Algae Easy to Stomach
(EurekAlert!/King Abdullah University of Science & Technology) Red Sea surgeonfish use metabolically diverse giant bacteria to digest different types of algae, according to new research. Not only do these findings explain the basis of surgeonfish diversity, but they may also provide
October 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Biological Solvers: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Novozymes
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Novozymes is a world leader in biological solutions. Together with customers, partners and the global community, the company supplies innovations to the world’s leading companies across 40 markets. Our solutions improve the sustainability performance of our
October 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Engineering and Evolution in Biotechnology
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Advancements in yeast optimization are gaining momentum. New companies are entering the space and veterans are improving their processes. -- Yeast strains used in the ethanol industry have remained largely static — even genetic
September 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Enzyme’s Worth to Biofuels Shown in Latest NREL Research
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) An enzyme discovered at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) proves adept at breaking down cellulose fibers regardless of whether their crystalline structure is simple or highly complex. No other enzyme
September 20, 2017 Read Full Article
Depolymerizing That Dang Lignin: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Biochemical Lignin Deconstruction
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy is supporting a project to develop a biological approach to depolymerize lignin for upgrading of aromatic compounds to co-products. Lignin valorization is key for meeting the DOE’s hydrocarbon fuel cost
September 15, 2017 Read Full Article
Getting to the Point (Mutations) in Re-Engineering Biofuel-Producing Bacterial Enzymes
(Newswise/U.S. Department of Energy) Researchers from Spain, Poland and Ireland have developed a new computational method to rapidly screen the effects of point mutations in bacteria to make biofuel production more efficient -- Converting fibrous plant waste, like corn stalks
September 15, 2017 Read Full Article
How Two Microbes Joined Forces to Produce Bio-diesel from Carbon Waste
by Tv Jayan (The Hindu) JNU researchers discover bacteria from Rajasthan, Ladakh, use them as catalysts -- Using microbes growing in two diverse climatic conditions, Indian scientists have found a way to convert carbon-rich waste materials into bio-fuel. A team of
September 15, 2017 Read Full Article
Plug-and-Play: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Enzyme Engineering and Optimization
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy is supporting a project led by Michael Himmell at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to develop technology to meet or exceed the target of 10 mg/g cellulose on pretreated feedstocks and
September 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Scientists Show Renewable Biocell Is Possible
(Bioenergy Insight) ... Over recent years, growing knowledge of biocatalysts and enzymes has revitalised interest in fuel cells, with research showing their hydrogen and oxygen transformation potential could be comparable to that offered by platinum. Researchers at the Laboratoire of Bioénergétique et
September 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Targeted Microbial Development: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Biological Upgrading of Biomass Sugars
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy is supporting projects to investigate and recommend promising pathways for advanced biological upgrading of biomass sugars and lignin to hydrocarbons (HC) and co-products to support the DOE BETO 2022 goal
September 11, 2017 Read Full Article
A Photoenzyme Allows Microalgae to Produce Hydrocarbons
(ESRF) Chlorella is a single-cell freshwater alga belonging to a type of microalgae which are cultivated on an industrial scale and have potential for the production of energy-rich molecules. Researchers at the CEA (French Atomic Energy Commission), the CNRS (French
September 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Plastic Stretches Towards the New: Top 10 Trendlines in Bioplastics
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Plant Bottle has generated so much goodwill and publicity for its 30% renewable, sustainable content (and that biobased MEG) that it’s easy to forget that there are several paths being chased to 100% renewable
September 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Norwegian and French Researchers Discover a Novel Enzymatic Mechanism that May Revolutionize Biorefining and Sustainable Production of Biofuels
by Ruth Lothe (Norwegian University of Life Sciences) In 2010, researchers at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) were the first to describe a new class of enzymes that have created a revolution in the area of biorefining. These
September 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Markus Ribbe and Yilin Hu: Brewing Biofuel from Bacteria
by Wendy Wolfson (University of California Irvine Applied Innovation) In a high-ceiling room in professor Markus Ribbe’s lab, a giant still emits pungent vapors from fermenting bacteria. Ribbe, chancellor’s professor of molecular biology and biochemistry at the UCI School of
August 31, 2017 Read Full Article
Aemetis Completes Enzymatic Biodiesel Production Unit at India Plant to Supply US and Europe
(Aemetis) Company well positioned to fill expected supply gap caused by anti-dumping ruling against Argentina and Indonesian biodiesel in the U.S. market -- Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX) announced today that its Universal Biofuels subsidiary in India has completed the construction
August 29, 2017 Read Full Article
Biotechnology Researchers Turn to Landfill Sites
(Phys.Org/Bangor University) Far from being a load of rubbish, landfill sites should be considered one of the great untapped resources in the search for new enzymes for biotechnology, and could fuel more efficient biofuel production. A new research paper in mSphere by biologists
August 24, 2017 Read Full Article
MetGen, Sweetwater Unlocking Lignin – The Roughest, Toughest, Ornieri’st Material that Ever Bushwhack’d a Pioneer in the Valley of Death
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) MetGen, Sweetwater Energy say “there’s gold in them thar side-streams” -- For all of your questions about the advanced bioeconomy there’s just the one answer and that is “lignin”. Why don’t we see more biobased
August 17, 2017 Read Full Article
Value-Added Investments Grow Agriculture
by Gov. Pete Ricketts (York News Times) Investments in the area of value-added agriculture are helping to grow our state’s number one industry. Many people think of traditional row crops when they think of agriculture, however, modern-day technology and innovations are
August 15, 2017 Read Full Article
Earnings Season: An Advanced Bioecononomy’s Health and Wellness Check-Up
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In today’s Digest, let’s look at trends driving the industry’s results at scale — and while money is not the measure of all progress, it is the ultimate yardstick and especially for companies that have
August 15, 2017 Read Full Article
A New Chloroplast Role for Making Biofuels
(Michigan State University) Michigan State University researchers are experimenting with harvesting seed oil to make biofuels that could someday power our jets and cars. In a recent study published in the journal The Plant Cell, the researchers show that the chloroplast,
August 11, 2017 Read Full Article
Processing Pathways
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Interest in cellulosic ethanol from corn fiber is piqued, as technology providers improve on their processes, increasing revenue stream possibilities for producers. -- Some producers and technology developers in the ethanol industry say cellulosic ethanol
August 04, 2017 Read Full Article
2017 BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology Awards POET's Jeff Broin 10th annual George Washington Carver Award for Innovation in Industrial Biotechnology
(Biotechnology Innovation Organization) For those in the biofuels industry, the 2017 BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology is a must. This year’s World Congress will feature a 12-session Advanced Biofuels and Biorefinery Platforms track, covering everything from new technologies in
July 10, 2017 Read Full Article
'On Your Mark, Get Set' Neutrons Run Enzyme's Reactivity for Better Biofuel Production
by Jeremy Rumsey and Heidi Hill (U.S. Department of Energy) Producing biofuels like ethanol from plant materials requires various enzymes to break down the cellulosic fibers. Scientists using neutron scattering have identified the specifics of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction that could
July 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Cutting the Cost of Ethanol, other Biofuels and Gasoline
(Phys.Org/Rutgers University) Biofuels like the ethanol in U.S. gasoline could get cheaper thanks to experts at Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Michigan State University. They've demonstrated how to design and genetically engineer enzyme surfaces so they bind less to corn stalks and other
July 07, 2017 Read Full Article
DuPont and Bock Announce Strategic Partnership, Expanding Biogas Enzymes Distribution Footprint
(DuPont/PR Web) DuPont intends to provide its OPTIMASH® AD-100 enzyme biotechnology to Bock for distribution of the biogas enzymes to customers across the United Kingdom. -- DuPont Industrial Biosciences (DuPont) and silage storage specialists Bock UK Ltd (Bock) announced a strategic partnership where
June 30, 2017 Read Full Article
'On Your Mark, Get Set' Neutrons Run Enzyme's Reactivity for Better Biofuel Production
by Jeremy Rumsey and Heidi Hill (Newswise/Department of Energy) Producing biofuels like ethanol from plant materials requires various enzymes to break down the cellulosic fibers. Scientists using neutron scattering have identified the specifics of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction that could significantly reduce
June 29, 2017 Read Full Article
Rayeman Elements Partners with Saola Energy on Leading Industry Bolt-On Enzymatic Biodiesel Technology Platform
(Rayeman Elements/EIN News Desk) Rayeman Elements expands their product offerings to include enzymatic bolt-on biodiesel technology, with Saola Energy providing project engineering and design -- Rayeman Elements, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has diversified its business model and
June 14, 2017 Read Full Article
IIT-Kharagpur Develops Technology to Make Pollution-Free Biofuel
(Business Insider) ... The 'soil-to-soil' manufacturing technology developed at the P.K. Sinha Centre for Bioenergy at IIT - Kharagpur is in the process of being patented. Researchers say bioethanol can be produced from various naturally available ligno-cellulosic components, but to do
June 01, 2017 Read Full Article
Transforming Eco-Product Performance and Accessibility: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to DuPont and Biomaterials
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) DuPont has developed a multi-part strategy to deliver new technologies to the growing biofuels and chemicals markets market. The strategy includes: (1) improving existing ethanol production through differentiated agriculture seed products and crop protection solutions as
June 01, 2017 Read Full Article
Neutral Fuels Unveils ‘World’s First’ Commercialised Enzymatic Biofuel
(Biofuels International) Neutral Fuels, a biodiesel producer based in the UAE, has become the first company in the world to commercialise an enzymatic biofuel. For six years Neutral Fuels has been producing biodiesel using cooking oil, supplying high profile clients such
May 31, 2017 Read Full Article
POET Founder, Chairman and CEO Jeff Broin to Receive 2017 BIO George Washington Carver Award
(Business Wire/Biotechnology Innovation Organization) Broin to accept award and deliver remarks at 2017 BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology -- The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) today announced that POET Founder, Chairman and CEO Jeff Broin will receive the 10th annual
May 31, 2017 Read Full Article
Owning The Ethanol Exec Role
by Luke Geiver (Ethanol Producer Magazine) One year into her role as Guardian Energy CEO, Jeanne McCaherty has tapped into her previous experience at Cargill and the unique make-up of the ethanol industry. -- It’s hard to believe that Jeanne
May 30, 2017 Read Full Article
Fungi the Key to Efficient Biomass Breakdown and Cheap Biofuels?
(Biofuels International) ... A team from the University of California, Santa Barbara are focusing their research on the estimated 1.5 million species of fungi on earth which can collectively break down almost any substance. In an article published in Nature
May 30, 2017 Read Full Article
10 Industrial Biotechnology Wave Trends to Watch
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There are news items, then there are trends, and finally there are wave trends — trends of critical importance and that carry the likelihood of having long-lasting impact. Like the fast ripples that presage a fearsome tsunami,
May 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Protein, Pathway Design: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Arzeda
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Arzeda’s proprietary technology combines targeted computational enzyme design and protein optimization with state-of-the-art metabolic bioengineering to create entirely novel designer cell factories capable of industry-scale chemical production. CEO Alex Zanghellini gave this illuminating overview of Arzeda’s breakthrough technology at ABLC 2017 in
May 23, 2017 Read Full Article
Insight into Enzyme’s 3D Structure Could Cut Biofuel Costs
(Los Alamos National Laboratory) Neutron crystallography maps LPMOs that break down fibrous cellulose -- Using neutron crystallography, a Los Alamos research team has mapped the three-dimensional structure of a protein that breaks down polysaccharides, such as the fibrous cellulose of
May 19, 2017 Read Full Article
Gov. Ricketts, Novozymes Unveil $36 Million Investment in Blair
(State of Nebraska/Foreign Affairs) Today, less than five years after Novozymes opened a state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing facility in Blair, Governor Pete Ricketts announced that the company has selected the site for its most recent expansion efforts in North America. The
May 17, 2017 Read Full Article
Little Big Ally: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Ginkgo BioWorks
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Ginkgo Bioworks designs custom microbes for customers across multiple markets. We build our foundries to scale the process of organism engineering using software and hardware automation. Organism engineers at Ginkgo learn from nature to develop
May 17, 2017 Read Full Article
Trash into Treasure: Sandia Could Help Biofuel Pay for Itself with Goods Made from Waste
(U.S. Department of Energy/Sandia National Laboratories/EurekAlert!) A recent discovery by Sandia National Laboratories researchers may unlock the potential of biofuel waste -- and ultimately make biofuels competitive with petroleum. Fuel made from plants is much more expensive than petroleum, but one
May 09, 2017 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Industrial 5C and 6C sugars
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest had a well-received webinar on C5 and C6 sugars, featuring in-demand industry consultant David Dodds and Fluid Quip exec Jeffrey Robert — looking at transformative approaches to making sugars and the chemistry that we can
May 03, 2017 Read Full Article
ICGEB Scientists Identify Key Enzyme for Biofuel Production in Fungal Gene
(Biospectrum) The new fungal source Penicillium funiculosum could be a strong alternative in the industrial enzyme repertoire for biofuel production -- Scientists at New Delhi-based International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) have peered into a fungal gene to
April 13, 2017 Read Full Article
New Route to FDCA: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to MetGen’s Chemo-Enzymatic Process
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week, news arrived from MetGen that they have developed a novel chemo-enzymatic process that leads to oxidized forms of 5-HMF. They report that “this form of sugar is known to have above 90% conversion
April 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Could This Enzyme Help Turn Biofuel Waste into Something Useful?
by Sarah Yang (Berkeley Lab) Joint BioEnergy Institute study targets LigM for its role in breaking down aromatic pollutants -- A protein used by common soil bacteria is providing new clues in the effort to convert aryl compounds, a common
April 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Enzymes Offer Waste-to-Energy Solution
by Mark Peplow (Science Magazine) A cutting-edge waste-to-energy plant is taking shape in the industrial heartland of the United Kingdom. When the £60 million facility opens in May, it will be the world’s first commercial-scale plant to use enzymes and microbes
April 06, 2017 Read Full Article
National Academies Report Finds Future Biotechnology Products May Overwhelm Agencies
(Bergeson & Campbell) On March 9, 2017, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (National Academies) published a report entitled Preparing for Future Products of Biotechnology, prepared by the Committee on Future Biotechnology Products and Opportunities to Enhance Capabilities
March 14, 2017 Read Full Article
How Brown Rot Fungi Could Lead to More Efficient Biofuels Production
(Lab Manager/U.S. Department of Energy) Wood’s complex structure makes it highly resistant to biological or chemical decomposition. The structure includes cellulose, long chains of linked sugar molecules, embedded in a scaffolding of a chemical known as lignin. Brown rot fungi,
February 28, 2017 Read Full Article
New Enzyme From Novozymes Can Boost Ethanol Yields
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Novozymes is launching a new line of advanced enzymes to increase ethanol yields by converting sugar that would otherwise be wasted. The Spirizyme® T Portfolio is an advanced suite of glucoamylase enzymes with trehalase and other yield
February 21, 2017 Read Full Article
The Sunliquid Technology – A Unique and Validated Pre-treatment Approach to 2G Ethanol
by Markus Rarbach (Clariant) ... Our approach at Clariant when developing the sunliquid® technology was to deliver an entirely integrated process from feedstock to finished product including our proprietary enzyme and fermentation organism platform, where all process steps are optimized to guarantee
February 21, 2017 Read Full Article
Low Cost Sugars and Lignin Streams: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Pretreatment and Process Hydrolysis
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) According to this presentation deck from NREL’s Melvin Tucker, “to produce high concentration sugar and reactive lignin streams at high yields and low costs from biomass to meet BETO’s 2017 ($5/GGE) and 2022 ($3/GGE) Goals and Targets,
February 20, 2017 Read Full Article
POET-DSM Plans On-Site Enzyme Manufacturing Facility at Project Liberty
(POET) POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels will build an on-site enzyme manufacturing (OSM) facility in Emmetsburg, Iowa, pending state and local approvals. The facility will be integrated into the Project Liberty technology package, replicable in future facilities. For Project Liberty, the OSM
February 17, 2017 Read Full Article
New Enzyme Has Potential to Turn Plant Biomass into Biofuel
by Kenny Walter (R&D Magazine) ... Scientists have studied these enzymes in pure cultures of microorganisms, despite the fact that microorganisms break down cellulose as communities in the environment. To examine this further, a multi-institutional team of researchers led by scientists
February 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Environmental Friendly Methodology for Production of Ethanol from Bagasse by Sequential Bio-Processing
by Prabhuraj Balakrishnan (University of Manchester/Nanowerk News) ... In a research work by The University of Manchester academics (Prof. Colin Webb's research group at the School of Chemical Engineering), a new methodology have been developed, that significantly reduces the time and
January 24, 2017 Read Full Article
Process Integrated Enzyme Production: The Cost-Efficient Way to Commercially Viable 2G Cellulosic Ethanol
by Markus Rarbach (Clariant/Biofuels Digest) Cellulosic ethanol is no longer a topic solely discussed in scientific papers or conferences, or by the academic world. It has made its way through the stages of technology development, from lab scale to pilot,
January 24, 2017 Read Full Article
Novozymes Cuts Jobs, Says U.S. Policy, Monsanto Deal Pose Risks
by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Teis Jensen (Reuters) To cut 198 jobs, invest more in emerging markets; Says could take time to return to past growth rates; Bayer takeover of Monsanto, US energy policy pose risks; Q4 earnings beat expectations, to buy back shares --
January 20, 2017 Read Full Article
UCI Scientists Identify a New Approach to Recycle Greenhouse Gas
(University of California, Irvine) Using a novel approach involving a key enzyme that helps regulate global nitrogen, University of California, Irvine molecular biologists have discovered an effective way to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) to carbon monoxide (CO) that can be
December 23, 2016 Read Full Article
A Critical Look at Cellulosic Ethanol and Other Advanced Biofuels
by Alexander A. Koukoulas0 (ANL Consultants LLC/Biofuels Digest) ... The pursuit of 2nd Gen fuels has been motivated by several factors including: their inherently low-cost, at least from a theoretical standpoint; their potential for drastically reducing carbon emissions relative to 1st Gen
December 13, 2016 Read Full Article
Leaf Resources and Novozymes Launch Biomass-to-Sugars Collaboration
(Leaf Resources) Leaf Resources’ patented biomass pretreatment process- GLYCELL – is an innovative, high-yield route to clean, economical cellulosic sugars -- Leaf Resources today announced a collaboration with Novozymes, the world’s largest producer of industrial enzymes, to further increase the
December 07, 2016 Read Full Article
Industrial Enzyme Market (Food and Beverage, Cleaning, Biofuel, Animal Feed) Size & Share Analysis Industry Overview & 2016-2020 Forecasts Research Report
(OrbisResearch.com/ABNewsWire) OrbisResearch.com has published “Global Industrial Enzyme Market (Food and Beverage, Cleaning, Biofuel, Animal Feed): Industry Analysis and Outlook (2016-2020)” market report to its research database. The key factors driving the growth of industrial enzyme market are growing global population,
December 02, 2016 Read Full Article
Hi-Performance Tech Package: The Digest’s 2016 Multi-Slide Guide to Clariant’s Sunliquid Process
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Clariant’s sunliquid technology for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into sugars, followed by fermentation to cellulosic ethanol, is flexible to be used to convert different feedstocks on a regional basis, for example corn stover in North
December 02, 2016 Read Full Article
New Research Could Make Ethanol Production More Efficient and Economic
(Phys.Org) New research at the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory (IBRL) on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus could significantly change ethanol production by lowering operating costs and simplifying the dry grind process. "There are currently more than 200 dry grind plants
December 01, 2016 Read Full Article
Masdar Institute Faculty Wins 2016 L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Fellowship Award
by Clarence Michael (Masdar Institute) Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi Presents Award to Dr. Hanifa Taher Al Blooshi for Research in Designing A NEW Novel System for Enzymatic Biodiesel Production - Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al
November 25, 2016 Read Full Article
New Biofuel Cell with Energy Storage
(Phys.Org/Ruhr-Universitaet-Bochum) Researchers have developed a hybrid of a fuel cell and capacitor on a biocatalytic basis. With the aid of enzymatic processes, what's known as a biosupercapacitor efficiently generates and stores energy. The trick: the enzymes are embedded in a
November 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Reinventing Enzymes, Molecules by Design: The Digest’s 2016 Multi-Slide Guide to Arzeda
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Arzeda’s proprietary technology combines targeted computational enzyme design and protein optimization with state-of-the-art metabolic bioengineering to create entirely novel designer cell factories capable of industry-scale chemical production. CEO Alex Zanghellini gave this overview of Arzeda’s breakthrough technology at ABLC Next in San
November 14, 2016 Read Full Article
Suds-Be-Gone: Novozymes Launches World-First Biological Foam Control for Sugarcane Ethanol
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Denmark, Novozymes launched Fermax, an enzyme protease that prevents foam development during the sugarcane ethanol fermentation process, while delivering improved control and replacing chemicals. In trials, partners also experienced a cost reduction of up
November 09, 2016 Read Full Article
Awards of £5m for New UK-Brazil Joint Projects in Advanced Biofuels and Biorefinery Research
(Biofuels International) A joint investment between UK’s BBSRC and the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) in Brazil has been made to support collaborations between UK and Brazilian scientists in advanced biofuels research. The funding – £3.5 million (€3.9m) from BBSRC with
October 21, 2016 Read Full Article
Ethanol from Conventional to Advanced: The Digest’s 2016 Multi Slide Guide to Praj
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Recently, we held a well-attended webinar on the markets and makers of ethanol from conventional to advanced. Here below is a slide deck presented on the day, from Praj – going through the technology landscape that is
October 14, 2016 Read Full Article
Zymergen Gets Lit: Raises $130M in Epic Series B
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Here’s what you get with Zymergen. You pack up your production microbe — currently making enzymes, PlantBottle precursors, flavors, fragrances, advanced polymers, therapeutics and so on. You ship to Emeryville. California. Zymergen uses a fleet
October 12, 2016 Read Full Article
Advanced Enzymes for Lignocellulosic Conversion: The Digest’s 2016 Multi-Slide Guide to MetGen
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “Shaping the future of bioenergy and renewable chemicals,” that’s the lofty technological goal which MetGen has set for itself. The company has made a name for itself via participation as a preferred enzyme developer in
September 26, 2016 Read Full Article
Tick-tick-tick…This Plastic Will Self-Destruct
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) They called it Mission Impossible. Create a means to biodegrade any plastic out there that needs to decompose in the environment after use. Find little microbes that can break the material into something that ordinary
September 26, 2016 Read Full Article
Strategic Intent: The Digest’s 2016 Multi-Slide Guide to Novozymes, P&G
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This season, The Digest is hosting the Strategic Intent webinar series, looking at the plans, progress and future milestones of strategic stakeholders in the Advanced Bioeconomy. In this slide deck, we looked at Novozymes and Procter &
September 22, 2016 Read Full Article
Several Bioenergy Projects Receive SBIR Funding
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA recently announced $7.4 million in grants will be awarded to 76 small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research program to support research related to food security, natural resources and agricultural issues. ... Bioenergy
September 19, 2016 Read Full Article
Catalyst for Cleaner, Faster Chemicals
(Flinders University) Enzymes, described as the ‘engine rooms’ of the natural world, can now work up to 16 times faster thanks to ‘paradigm shifting’ technology developed between Flinders and University of California Irvine. The latest breakthrough adds to a suite of
September 01, 2016 Read Full Article
Diverse Fungi Secrete Similar Suite of Decomposition Enzymes
(Phys.Org/Department of Energy) Soil fungi secrete a wide range of enzymes that play an important role in biofuel production and bioremediation of metal-contaminated soils and water. A recent study reveals different fungal species secrete a rich set of enzymes that
August 31, 2016 Read Full Article
Welcome to Aviation Biofuels Math Class with Mr. Mercutio
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you were reading BBC’s coverage of the aviation biofuels space yesterday, you would have seen the provocative headline: Wood fuel plan to cut plane CO2 branded as ‘pipe dream’ Then would have looked in vain for
August 31, 2016 Read Full Article
Weird Science: How to Turn Carbon Dioxide Into Renewable Biofuel
by David Dittman (Wall Street Daily) ... ClimateWire recently reported that scientists have engineered a bacterium that can turn carbon dioxide (CO2) into fuel in a single, enzyme-catalyzed metabolic step. Summarizing a paper published on August 22, 2016, in the journal Proceedings of
August 30, 2016 Read Full Article
Biofuel Enzymes Industry Size, Growth and 2021 Forecasts Report
(AB Newswire/ReportsWeb.com) ReportsWeb.com adds Global Biofuel Enzymes Market 2016 Research Report to its vast collection of research database. The report is spread across 157 pages and supported by 14 company leaders, 111 list of tables and figures. The Global Biofuel Enzymes Industry
August 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Novozymes on Novozymes: The Digest’s Multi-Slide Guide to Novozymes’ Q2 results
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Denmark, Novozymes reported its Q2 earnings and updated its outlook for the rest of 2016. Headlines? Sales grew by 3% organically in the first half, EBIT was on par, and the EBIT margin was
August 11, 2016 Read Full Article
Illinois Tech Scientists Receive Patent for Method to Genetically Engineer Bacteria and Yeast to Increase Bioethanol Production
(IIT Today) Scientists from Illinois Institute of Technology received a patent for a method to genetically engineer bacteria and yeast to increase bioethanol production, especially from cellulosic material in biomass like twigs, branches, plant stalks and husks, and woodchips. Ben Stark,
July 27, 2016 Read Full Article
New Understanding of One of Nature’s Best Biocatalysts for Biofuels Production
(U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science) Producing fuels from plants and other renewable sources requires breaking down the chemical cellulose; a major candidate to drive, or catalyze, this stubborn chemical is a ubiquitous microorganism called Clostridium thermocellum that works well in hot
July 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Strong Demand for Bioethanol from Emerging Markets to Beef up Enzyme Sector, Study Finds
(Biofuels International) The global enzymes market is expected to reach $17.5bn by 2024 helped by strong demand for bioethanol in emerging economies, according to a new study by Grand View Research. Growing demand for enzymes in food and beverage products as they
July 07, 2016 Read Full Article
DuPont Industrial Biosciences Launches New Enzyme Product for Biogas Industry
(DuPont/PR Web) State-of-the-Art Biotechnology Offering Will Increase Methane Yields and Improve Profitability -- Today, DuPont Industrial Biosciences announced the launch of OPTIMASH® AD-100, an innovative new enzyme product that will help biomethane producers improve biogas yields and process robustness, which
July 06, 2016 Read Full Article
Study Shows Trees with Altered Lignin Are Better for Biofuels
(Brookhaven National Laboratory) Fundamental enzyme study leads to increased access to bioenergy feedstocks and improves ethanol yield by modifying plant cell wall structures. Lignin is a natural component of plant cell walls, the scaffolding that surrounds each cell and plays a
June 29, 2016 Read Full Article
ICM Has Short List for Its Gen 1.5 Cellulosic Ethanol
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Kansas, ICM said it is is currently in discussion with a short list of those interested in being selected as an early adopter of its Gen 1.5 technology, and they anticipate construction of the
June 20, 2016 Read Full Article
Research Examines Obstacles to Making Biofuel from Perennial Plants
(University of Arkansas) A University of Arkansas chemistry professor has received a $400,000 award from the National Science Foundation to investigate a roadblock in the harvesting of biomass from perennial plants for the purpose of creating a source of renewable
June 17, 2016 Read Full Article
Advancing the Brewing Process With New Yeasts, Enzymes
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) For millennia, the recipe for brewing remained basically the same: add water and yeast to the ground grain and wait. The big innovation of the past century was the addition of enzymes to
June 13, 2016 Read Full Article
Chemistry Lessons from Bacteria May Improve Biofuel Production
by Chris Barncard (University of Wisconsin-Madison) ... “The recycling of plant carbon is fundamental to the function of our ecosystems,” says Cameron Currie, professor of bacteriology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. “We get food, water, air, energy — almost everything
June 09, 2016 Read Full Article
Catalysts and Enzymes in Biofuel Production
by Elizabeth E. Hood and Lorenz Bauer (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Biofuels Digest) ... Biofuels can be produced by a number of processes, broadly categorized as biochemical and chemical. Biochemical processes utilize proteins called enzymes (biological catalysts). Chemical processes utilize chemical catalysts and/or
June 08, 2016 Read Full Article
Scania Trucks Use Ethanol Made with Clariant's Sunliquid Process
(Clariant/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, and Scania, one of the world's top heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers, are celebrating the results and the opportunities generated by the partnership established last year, which involved an investment in sustainable
May 20, 2016 Read Full Article
“EA” Biomass Pretreatment Cuts Enzyme Use, Boosts Biofuel Production
by Krista Eastman (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) Less input, more output. That’s the achievement of a new biomass pretreatment method that could help improve the economics of cellulosic biofuels, the second-generation biofuels made from grasses, wood, and the inedible
May 11, 2016 Read Full Article
Harnessing Biotechnology to Accelerate Advanced Biofuels Production
by Jonathan Male (US Department of Energy) ... From expanding the potential of diverse microbial systems to enhancing the biocatalytic capabilities of enzymes, the application of biotechnology is accelerating the development of the advanced biofuel industry. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy
April 12, 2016 Read Full Article
Major Advance in ‘Synthetic Biochemistry’ Holds Promise for Industrial Products and Biofuels
by Stuart Wolpert (University of California - Los Angeles) UCLA biochemists have devised a way to convert sugar into a variety of useful chemical compounds without using cells -- UCLA biochemists have devised a clever way to make a variety of
April 12, 2016 Read Full Article
Key Enzyme Discovered in Botryococcus braunii
(Algae Industry Magazine) An enzyme responsible for making hydrocarbons has been discovered by Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists studying the common green microalga Botryococcus braunii. The study, published in the current issue of the journal Nature Communications, could enable scientists
April 07, 2016 Read Full Article
Biotech Breakthrough: Reverse Photosynthesis Could Be the Energy Source of Future
(I4U News) Danish researchers discover a process called reverse photosynthesis that can make chemicals and biofuels. The discovery has a potential to revolutionize industrial production -- Photosynthesis, as most of us know, is a process by which plants absorbs sunlight
April 05, 2016 Read Full Article
Lab Creates New Biofuels to Expand Alternative Energy Sources
by Allison Ong (Daily Bruin) ... UCLA researchers have been using bacteria, microscopic organisms responsible for disease and digestion, to convert living matter into liquid fuel. (Paul) Lin, a chemical engineering graduate student, is one of many students who work to
March 29, 2016 Read Full Article
Aemetis Licenses Edeniq’s Cellulosic Ethanol Technology
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Edeniq and Aemetis have entered into a License Agreement under which Aemetis will deploy Edeniq’s Pathway technology at its 60 million gallon per year ethanol production facility located in Keyes, California. Edeniq’s Pathway Technology integrates Edeniq’s Cellunator equipment with cellulase
March 24, 2016 Read Full Article
Scientists Turn to GMOs in Search of Better Biofuels
by Christina Maza (Christian Science Monitor) ... Now, researchers across the US are pouring resources into discovering whether it’s possible to produce sustainable biofuel through selective plant breeding and genetic modification. That technique, which has generated controversy in the food industry,
March 14, 2016 Read Full Article
Chemical Snapshot Unveils Path to Greener Biofuel
(University of Copenhagen) Vehicle fuels made of plant waste are sustainable and climate friendly. Unfortunately the energy in stems, bark and twigs is locked up in cellulose, which is tough to crack open by the enzymes used to transform cellulose
March 11, 2016 Read Full Article
Researchers' New Advance in Quest for Second Generation Biofuels
(Phys.Org) ... The team, including Professor Paul Walton and Professor Gideon Davies of the Department of Chemistry at York, today presents the first published molecular structure of one of the key enzymes (lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases or LPMOs) involved in these processes. Reported
March 02, 2016 Read Full Article
New Way to Reduce Plant Lignin Could Lead to Cheaper Biofuels
(Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) Berkeley Lab and Joint BioEnergy Institute scientists harness enzyme in effort to cut pretreatment costs -- Scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have shown for the first time that
February 26, 2016 Read Full Article
Raizen Has Lowest Price as Cellulosic Ethanol Hinges on Feedstock Cost
(Lux Research/MarketWired) Of the Six Existing Commercial Cellulosic Ethanol Facilities, Raizen's Projected Price of $2.17 per Gallon Is Lowest, as Innovations Help Bring Next-Generation Biofuels to Market, Says Lux Research Six companies have now brought cellulosic ethanol facilities online, but with
February 24, 2016 Read Full Article
New Ammonia Biomass Pretreatment Process Improves Yield with Lower Enzyme Loading; Improving Cellulosic Biofuel Economics
(Green Car Congress) A team from the US, China and India, led by researchers from Michigan State University, has developed a new liquid ammonia biomass pretreatment methodology called Extractive Ammonia (EA). EA-pretreated corn stover delivers a higher fermentable sugar yield
February 24, 2016 Read Full Article
ORNL: Titan Probes Depths of Biofuel’s Biggest Barrier
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Ask a biofuel researcher to name the single greatest technical barrier to cost-effective ethanol, and you’re likely to receive a one-word response: lignin. Cellulosic ethanol—fuel derived from woody plants and waste biomass—has the potential to become an
February 22, 2016 Read Full Article
Fungi from Goats' Guts Could Lead to Better Biofuels
by Matt McGrath (BBC) The legendary abilities of goats and sheep to digest a wide range of inedible materials could help scientists produce cheaper biofuels. Researchers say fungi from the stomachs of these animals produce flexible enzymes that can break down
February 22, 2016 Read Full Article
Chempolis’ Cellulosic Ethanol Technology Heads for Commercial-Scale in India
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Chempolis’ multi-year quest to build cellulosic ethanol in India finds a happy landing. -- In India, €110 million joint venture cellulosic ethanol project of Chempolis Ltd and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) is moving towards construction
February 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Team Explains the Higher Cellulolytic Activity of a Vital Microorganism
(Phys.org/National Renewable Energy Laboratory) Researchers at the Energy Department's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the BioEnergy Science Center (BESC) say better understanding of a bacterium could lead to cheaper production of cellulosic ethanol and other advanced biofuels. Their discovery was
February 10, 2016 Read Full Article
Short on Sustainable Hydrogen? Here Comes New Water-Splitting Tech to Save the Day
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) You may not know it, but you are short on hydrogen. Right now. We live in a hydrogen-starved world, and it’s expensive to make. And most of what we make is unsustainable, produced from fossil sources.
February 09, 2016 Read Full Article
Designer Enzymes and Strains: The Digest’s 2016 8-Slide Guide to Arzeda
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 100,000+ naturally occurring molecules are known but the biosynthesis is unknown — and cannot be made economically at any scale, today. Meanwhile, millions of synthetic non-natural molecules that could be made with designed enzymes and
January 22, 2016 Read Full Article
Indiana University Scientists Create 'Nano-Reactor' for the Production of Hydrogen Biofuel
(Indiana University Bloomington) Combining bacterial genes and virus shell creates a highly efficient, renewable material used in generating power from water -- Scientists at Indiana University have created a highly efficient biomaterial that catalyzes the formation of hydrogen -- one
January 12, 2016 Read Full Article
Biocatalytic Solutions: The Digest’s 2016 8-Slide Guide to Microvi Biotechnologies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Microvi is a biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures, and commercializes biocatalytic solutions in the water, energy and chemical industries. The company’s core discipline is its MicroNiche Engineering platform technology, where the microenvironment of biological
January 12, 2016 Read Full Article
Bacteria Attack Lignin with Enzymatic Tag Team
(Rice University/Science Daily) Research shows how nature handles lignin -- New research shows how bacterial enzymes team up to attack lignin. The findings could lead to more efficient processes for creating biofuels from wood, grass and agricultural waste, say scientists. The molecules
January 08, 2016 Read Full Article
Project Aims to Lower Cellulase Cost through Enzyme Recycling
(Autodisplay Biotech GmbH) In November, an international consortium led by Autodisplay Biotech GmbH started Pathway EFB, a €1.6 million ($1.75 million) collaborative research and development project to significantly lower cellulase cost in the production of biofuels and biobased chemicals. The
January 04, 2016 Read Full Article
Biofuels to Bioeconomy Conference Speaker Summaries Published
(Biofuels Digest) In Canada, the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association released a 16-page synopsis of more than a dozen addresses at the recent Canadian Bioeconomy Summit. The synopsis team was led by Dr. Jack Saddler, ... READ MORE Download Summaries Excerpt from
December 14, 2015 Read Full Article
Are All Processes Made Equally?: The Digest’s 2015 8-Slide Guide to Clariant
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Clariant’s sunliquid technology for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into sugars, followed by fermentation to cellulosic ethanol, is flexible to be used to convert different feedstocks on a regional basis, for example corn stover in North
December 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Biofuel Enzymes Market to Top USD 1bn in 2020 with Cellulosic Ethanol Help
by Plamena Tisheva (SeeNews) The global market for biofuel enzymes is to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.4% over the next five years, driven by the shift to cellulosic ethanol, BCC Research says in a report, released Wednesday. The firm
December 02, 2015 Read Full Article
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