TU Delft produces biofuels from wood more efficiently

By GAVE
March 8, 2010

Researchers at the Technical University in Delft have discovered that the bacteria known as Cupriavidus basilensis is well suited to the production of biochemicals and biofuels from woody waste. The team claims that the bacteria can break down harmful by-products that are released when breaking down wood. The researchers also claim that this bacteria could be used on an industrial scale. This would reduce production costs considerably, because the by-products would no longer need to be removed. This removal process is also very bad for the environment. The research results were published on 2 March in the American magazine: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA (PNAS).

Micro-organisms, by nature, have problems in breaking down lignocellulosic material, which is what gives plants its strength. The complex sugars are first released before being split up into digestible pellets. This process creates harmful by-products, including furfural, which can significantly decelerate the further fermentation process. The article states that the Cupriavidus basilensis bacteria is able to break down this furfural. The scientists also indicate that they have succeeded in introducing the entire breakdown route into the bacteria Pseudomonas putida, which is often used in the industrial biotechnology sector and is not naturally able to break down furfural.

Source: GAVE News