Research and development of novel enzymes that can convert scraps, such as wood chips, into biofuels

August 10, 2023

According to the report of the Physicist Organization Network on December 23 (Beijing time), researchers from York University in Canada and the First University of Marseille in France have made significant progress in expanding and developing second-generation biofuels. They found that there is a family of enzymes that can degrade naturally indigestible biomass into its own sugar. The results of the study were published in the December 22 issue of Nature and Chemical Biology.

The first-generation biofuels have had an impact on the search for renewable energy and energy security, particularly the use of "easy-to-digest" biomass such as corn starch in the production of bioethanol. However, this method requires a large amount of energy crops, thus occupying valuable arable land, thereby endangering the stability of food prices and limiting the production of biofuels.

This enzyme family is called Soluble Polysaccharide Monooxygenases (LPMOs). In the new study, the enzyme converts waste materials such as plant stems, sawdust, waste cardboard, or insect/crustacean shells into their own sugar components, which are then fermented into bioethanol. This is a major advance in biofuel research. The fuel made from these raw materials is called second-generation biofuels.

The new study was jointly attended by Prof. Paul Walton and Prof. Gideon Davies of the Chemistry Department of York University, and the University of Marseilles of France and Prof. Bernie of the French National Center for Scientific Research. It opens up new possibilities for the production of bioethanol using sustainable raw materials. By studying the biological origins and detailed chemical reactions of this enzyme family, researchers have demonstrated that by finding a variety of biodegradation methods in nature, humans can now strive to produce sustainable biofuels.

Walton said: "There is no doubt that this discovery will not only have an impact on how to solve the problem of producing second-generation biofuels around the world, but more importantly, it will also provide a strong force for bioethanol producers. Tools to help them effectively convert waste materials into biofuels." (Reporter Hualing)

The above is the Research and development of novel enzymes that can convert scraps, such as wood chips, into biofuels we have listed for you. You can submit the following form to obtain more industry information we provide for you.

You can visit our website or contact us, and we will provide the latest consultation and solutions

Share to:

Send Inquiry

Previou:Processing stability and detection of feed enzymes in compound feed

Next:The effect of enzymes from plant