By sequencing the DNA of cow gut microbes, researchers uncover a treasure trove of cellulose-degrading enzymes. Follow this link to learn more: http://cen.acs.org/articles/89/i5/Cows-Aid-Quest-Biofuels.html
Category: Pretreatment
pretreatment webpage
SPORL Patent: Ethanol Produced as By-product, or from Waste, or from Cellulosic Material Substrate, or Substrate that Contains Cellulosic Material
The present invention relates to a method using sulfite pretreatment to overcome recalcitrance of lignocellulose (SPORL). More specifically, it relates to a sulfite-based chemical process for pretreating biomass in solutions to reduce access barriers of enzymes to the lignocellulose, resulting in efficient conversion through enzymatic saccharification. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.faqs.org/patents/app/20090298149#b
New Avenues for Fungal Strain Improvement Towards Enzymatic Degradation of Cellulosic Biomass for Biofuel Production
A presentation focusing on Trichoderma reesei, the fungal cellulases it produces, and futures uses of these products for biofuel pretreatment. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.nachhaltigwirtschaften.at/iea_pdf/events/20110331_bioenergieforschung_4_7_seidl_seiboth.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
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
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/
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
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
Comparative Genomic Analysis of the Thermophilic Biomass-degrading Fungi Myceliophthora thermophila and Thielavia terrestris
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