How easy is it to break down plant cells? This research tests various environmental conditions to find out how to break down cellulose and lignin efficiently. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/content/5/1/20
Category: Pretreatment
pretreatment webpage
“Genome, Transcriptome, and Secretome Analysis of Wood Decay Fungus Postia placenta Supports Unique Mechanisms of Lignocellulose Conversion
Research on brown-rot fungus to determine potential catalysts for lignin depolymerization. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.pnas.org/content/106/6/1954.short
First Wood-Digesting Enzyme Found in Bacteria Could Boost Biofuel Production
The first bacteria-produced lignin-degrading enzyme has been isolated from a soil bacterium that is related to plant pathogens. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110609112905.htm
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
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
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
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/