Producing biofuels directly from cellulose, known as consolidated bioprocessing, is believed to reduce costs substantially compared to a process in which cellulose degradation and fermentation to fuel are accomplished in separate steps. This research presents a metabolic engineering example for the development of a Clostridium cellulolyticum strain for isobutanol synthesis directly from cellulose. Follow this link to learn more: http://aem.asm.org/content/77/8/2727.short
Category: Conversion
Conversion webpage
Transgenic Microbe Converts Cellulose to Isobutanol Fuel
In the quest for inexpensive biofuels, U.S. scientists have created a genetically engineered microbe and used it to convert plant matter directly into isobutanol. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/mar2011/2011-03-08-091.html
Engineering Corynebacterium glutamicum for isobutanol production
Using 2-keto acid pathways and genetic modification, this research shows how malleable bacterial production of isobutanol can be. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2886118/
Engineering the Isobutanol Biosynthetic Pathway in Escherichia coli by Comparison of Three Aldehyde Reductase/Alcohol Dehydrogenase Genes
This research compares the effect of various alcohol dehydrogenases (ADH) for the last step of the isobutanol production. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.springerlink.com/content/326485018556vu25/
Engineering Bacillus subtilis for Isobutanol Production by Heterologous Ehrlich Pathway Construction and the Biosynthetic 2-ketoisovalerate Precursor Pathway Overexpression
In this research article, Bacillus subtilis was engineered as the cell factory for isobutanol production due to its high tolerance to isobutanol. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.springerlink.com/content/aq3588xwr152265x/
High-flux Isobutanol Production using Engineered Escherichia coli: A Bioreactor Study with in situ Product Removal
Promising approaches to produce higher alcohols, e.g., isobutanol, using Escherichia coli have been developed with successful results. This research translates the isobutanol process from shake flasks to a 1-L bioreactor in order to characterize three E. coli strains. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.springerlink.com/content/j73277243p668870/
Verifying Forest Sustainability
More customers and policymakers seek assurances that the forest-derived fuel or feedstock they purchase is harvested in a sustainable manner. How can sustainability be assured? Follow this link to learn more: http://biomassmagazine.com/articles/8154/verifying-forest-sustainability
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program
The USDA’s AFRI Program lists bioenergy as a challenge area for research in 2011. This .pdf explains the grant program and eligibility. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/rfas/pdfs/12_bioenergy.pdf
Second-Generation Biofuel: Isobutanol Producing Biocatalyst
With support from EPA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, Gevo launched a project to identify rate-limiting steps in the isobutanol pathway in yeast. This effort resulted in the development of genetic and biochemical assays to characterize each of the enzymes involved in the production of isobutanol in yeast. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.epa.gov/ncer/sbir/success/pdf/gevo010711.pdf
Biomass to the Rescue
Bob Cleaves, President of Biomass Power Association, explains how biomass and fire prevention go hand in hand. Follow this link to learn more: http://biomassmagazine.com/articles/8236/biomass-to-the-rescue