The genomes of two cellulase-producing fungi are compared to see if similarities and differences will elucidate enzyme properties that can be used for biofuel pretreatment. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v29/n10/abs/nbt.1976.html
Author: william.herring
Chemical Composition of Wood
This set of class notes explains the chemical makeup of wood as well as general chemical properties Follow this link to learn more: http://www.ipst.gatech.edu/faculty/ragauskas_art/technical_reviews/Chemical%20Overview%20of%20Wood.pdf
JBEI team develops ionic-liquid-tolerant bacterial cocktail for cost-effective biomass pretreatment for cellulosic biofuels
Researchers from the US Department of Energy (DOE) Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) have developed an ionic liquid (IL)-tolerant bacterial cocktail for the pretreatment of cellulosic biomass at higher temperatures and in the presence of much higher IL concentrations than commercial fungal cocktails. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.greencarcongress.com/2012/06/jbei-20120604.html
The conversion of cellulosic materials to simple organics
Cellulosic materials such as wood can be difficult to break down. This page provides resources to better understand cellulosic materials and their structures Follow this link to learn more: http://nsm1.nsm.iup.edu/jford/projects/Cellulose/
Lignocellulose Pretreatment Technologies
An overview of common pretreatment technologies and links for more reading on each technology. Follow this link to learn more: http://bioweb.sungrant.org/Technical/Biofuels/Technologies/Ethanol+Production/Ethanol+from+Cellulose+Resources/Pretreatment/Pretreatment.htm
Research targets cells to reduce lignin, boost fermentable sugar
Researchers at the Joint BioEnergy Institute are exploring new ways to meet the challenge of recalcitrant cellulosic feedstocks and lower the cost of biomass-based biofuels. The group recently published two papers detailing their work to genetically modify xylan and lignin, resulting in improved conversion characteristics in the model plants used in the research. Follow this link to learn more: http://ethanolproducer.com/articles/9409/research-targets-cells-to-reduce-lignin-boost-fermentable-sugar
Redesigning Escherichia coli Metabolism for Anaerobic Production of Isobutanol
This work demonstrates a general approach for designing and constructing a production host that uses a heterologous pathway as an obligately fermentative pathway to produce isobutanol. Follow this link to learn more: http://aem.asm.org/content/77/14/4894.short
A Sustainable Woody Biomass Biorefinery
the objective of this paper is a focused review on the selected processes for a particular approach to biorefinery: incremental deconstruction of woody biomass in the absence of waste generation steps such as pretreatment and detoxification. In particular, integrated studies on hot-water based biochemical approach is systematically reviewed. In particular, hot-water extraction based “pretreatment” processes are discussed in detail. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0734975012000262
Metabolic Engineering of Microorganisms for Biofuels Production: From Bugs to Synthetic Biology to Fuels
A review and opinion article on the technology surrounding the usage of microbes for synthesis of biofuel and suggestions for the future. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0958166908001420
Mutated plants may be better for biofuels
Mutations in cell walls may lead to reduced cellulose recalcitrance. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120228152158.htm