A review article describing the different pretreatment technologies and why pretreatment is the major bottleneck in cellulosic biofuel production. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/article/default.asp?ID=8788
Category: Pretreatment
pretreatment webpage
Evaluation of Mountain Beetle-Infested Lodgepole Pine for Cellulosic Ethanol Production by Sulfite Pretreatment to Overcome Recalcitrance of Lignocellulose
This research article covers the usage of SPORL pretreatment of pine trees killed by mountain pine beetle and whether or not it is easier to overcome recalcitrance of lignin in these trees in comparison to live trees. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.mendeley.com/research/evaluation-mountain-beetleinfested-lodgepole-pine-cellulosic-ethanol-production-sulfite-pretreatment-overcome-recalcitrance-lignocellulose/
Monitoring the Spatial Extent of Bioenergy Crops and Estimating Acreage with AWiFS Imagery
A presentation from the National Agricultural Statistics Service explaining the challenges of biomass-based biofuel production. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.nass.usda.gov/Education_and_Outreach/Reports,_Presentations_and_Conferences/Presentations/Mueller_ASPRS09_BioenergyCrops.pdf
Effect of Mixing on Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Steam-pretreated Spruce: a Quantitative Analysis of Conversion and Power Consumption
In the present study, the effects of mixing on the enzymatic hydrolysis of steam-pretreated spruce were investigated using a stirred tank reactor operated with different impeller speeds and enzyme loadings. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/content/4/1/10
Sustainable Liquid Biofuels from Biomass: The Writing’s on the Walls
This review will focus on the underpinning research necessary to enable the cost-effective production of liquid fuels from plant biomass, with a particular focus on aspects related to plant cell walls and their bioconversion. Follow this link to learn more: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1469-813008.02422.x/abstract
Analyzing the Economics Values of An Alternative Preprocessing Facility in the Biomass Feedstocks – Biorefinery Supply Chain
Applying a GIS and mixed-integer mathematical programming model, this study evaluates the economic values of a preprocessing technology, stretch-wrap baling, in the biomass feedstock supply chain for a potential commercial-scale switchgrass biorefinery in East Tennessee. Follow this link to learn more: http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/103993/2/Analyzing%20the%20Economics%20Values%20of%20Alternative%20Preprocessing%20Facilities%20in%20the%20Biomass%20Feedstocks%20-%20Biorefinery%20Supply%20Chain_prelim.pdf
Helping Landowners with Waste Wood While Improving Agribusiness and Energy
Every year, millions of tons of wood waste produced by commercial timber harvests and forest restoration burn in open piles that send untold amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Is there a more feasible and economical way to utilize this waste wood? Follow this link to learn more: http://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=126349&org=NSF&from=news
Biofuels: Cellulosic biofuels
An encyclopedia page explaining what cellulosic biofuels are, how they’re made, and the environmental and social impact they produce. Includes diagrams, research, and photos. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.eoearth.org/article/Cellulosic_biofuels?topic=60605
Challenges of the Utilization of Wood Polymers: How Can They be Overcome?
This mini-review provides an overview of major wood biopolymers, their structure, and recent developments in their utilization to develop biofuels. Advances in genetic modifications to overcome the recalcitrance of woody biomass for biofuels are discussed and point to a promising future. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.springerlink.com/content/q3405j0452244620/
Woody Biomass Sulfite Pretreatment to Overcome Lignocellulose Recalcitrance for Biofuel Production (SPORL) – Patent
UW-Madison researchers have developed an improved pretreatment process for robust conversion of biomass. This process, known as Sulfite Pretreatment to Overcome Recalcitrance of Lignocellulose (SPORL), reduces the energy consumption needed for size-reduction processes, required before enzymatic hydrolysis, by more than tenfold. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.warf.org/technologies.jsp?ipnumber=P08193US