Evolving Microbes Help Turn Bio-Oil into Advanced Biofuels

Source: R&D Magazine (10/15/12)

"Iowa State researchers are using a hybrid approach to produce the next generation of biofuels."

Microbes are working away in an Iowa State University laboratory to ferment biofuels from the sugar and acetate produced by rapidly heating biomass such as corn stalks and sawdust.

But it's not an easy job for E. coli and C. reinhardtii.

The bacteria and microalgae, respectively, don't like something in the bio-oil produced by fast pyrolysis—the rapid heating of biomass without oxygen and with catalysts. The result of the thermochemical process is a thick, brown oil that smells like molasses.

A research team led by Laura Jarboe, an Iowa State assistant professor of chemical and biological engineering, is feeding the bio-oil (also known as "pyrolytic sugars") to the microbes. The E. coli are supposed to turn the levoglucosan in the sugar-rich fraction of bio-oil into ethanol and lactic acid; the C. reinhardtii are supposed to turn acetate-rich fractions into lipids for biodiesel.

It's part of the hybrid approach Iowa State researchers are using to produce the next generation of biofuels. They're combining two conversion paths—thermochemical and biochemical—to find efficient ways to produce renewable fuels and chemicals. . .View Full Article

Oil & Gas Company to Acquire Hydrogen Tech Firm's Assets
Source: Streetwise Reports (01/26/2021)

Jericho Oil will gain the acquiree's award-winning, patented, zero-emissions Dynamic Combustion Chamber boiler.

High Performance Energy Storage Company Posts 132% Increase in Yearly Revenue
Source: Streetwise Reports (01/24/2021)

Eguana Technologies reported financial and operating results for FY/20 that demonstrated substantial improvements in both revenue and gross margins.

Company Accelerates Development and Deployment of Solar Projects
Source: Streetwise Reports (01/15/2021)

UGE International provided an update on its project and corporate activities during Q4/20.

Ballard Receives Order for Scotland’s First Fuel Cell-Powered Train
Source: Streetwise Reports (01/12/2021)

Shares of Ballard Power Systems traded 18% higher to a new 52-week high after the company reported that it had received an order from Arcola Energy for its FCmove-HD fuel cell modules that will be used to power Scotland's first fuel cell-powered train.

Solar Energy Company Secures Bid to Build Additional 5.4MW DC Community Solar Project
Source: Streetwise Reports (01/06/2021)

UGE International reported that just prior to year-end 2020 it secured a contract to build a new US$9.9 million, 5.4MW DC community solar project in the State of Maine.

This Tiny Tech Stock Is Quietly Building a Huge Business in Air Quality
Source: Matt Badiali for Streetwise Reports (01/05/2021)

Independent financial analyst Matt Badiali discusses how mCloud's technology is making it possible for office buildings to reopen during the pandemic.

Clean Energy Fuels Partners with Total SE to Develop Carbon-Negative RNG Production Facilities
Source: Streetwise Reports (12/22/2020)

Shares of Clean Energy Fuels Corp. traded 23% higher to a new 52-week high price after the company reported it is entering into a $145 million 50-50 joint venture with Total SE of France to develop carbon-negative renewable natural gas production facilities in the U.S.

Company Providing Microgrid Optimization Set for 'Exponential' Revenue Growth
Source: John "Jack" C. Hurley for Streetwise Reports (12/08/2020)

Value investor John "Jack" C. Hurley outlines the value proposition behind technology company CleanSpark.

Shares of SolarWindow Technologies reached a new 52-week high after the company reported it has created the "first-ever" electricity-generating flexible glass using a high-speed manufacturing process.