New research has produced a novel strain of yeast with improved xylose tolerance and metabolism, and consequently improved ethanol production. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/07/120718073814.htm
Category: Conversion
Conversion webpage
Cyanobacterial Biofuel Production
A review article addressing the usage and manipulation of photosynthetic microorganisms for biofuel production. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168165612001721
Alternative Biofuel Production in Non-natural Hosts
A review article covering the development of organisms capable of producing biofuel components. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0958166911007622
Isobutanol Production in Engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae by Overexpression of 2-ketoisovalerate decarboxylase and Valine Biosynthetic Enzymes.
In this study, construction of isobutanol production systems was attempted by overexpression of effective 2-keto acid decarboxylase (KDC) and combinatorial overexpression of valine biosynthetic enzymes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae D452-2. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.springerlink.com/content/517520v2r51516n1/?MUD=MP
Biofuels in the U.S. Transportation Sector
Facts, Figures, and research on the impact of biofuels in the transportation sector. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.eia.gov/oiaf/analysispaper/biomass.html
Reviving the Carbohydrate Economy via Multi-product Lignocellulose Biorefineries
Utilization of lignocellulose and co-products would decrease bioethanol expenses. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.springerlink.com/content/y5p71053411ph861/
Enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulosic biomass
Enzymatic hydrolysis that converts lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars may be the most complex step in this process due to substrate-related and enzyme-related effects and their interactions. This review looks at which organisms produce enzymes, as well as the chemistry and physics of these enzymatic processes. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.cert.ucr.edu/research/ses/Enzymatic%20hydrolysis%20of%20cellulosic%20biomass.pdf
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
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
Carbon Emission Reduction Impacts from Alternative Biofuels
Using life-cycle analysis to evaluate alternative uses of wood including both products and fuels reveals a hierarchy of carbon and energy impacts characterized by their efficiency in reducing carbon emissions and/or in displacing fossil energy imports. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.forestprod.org/assets/FPJ_articles_62_4/fpro-62-04-296.pdf