Annual report for FY 1981
In keeping with the national alcohol fuel (gasohol) effort, research was directed toward improving ethanol processes based on readily fermentable feedstocks. Efforts were also made to develop novel fermentation systems. Reducing the cost of producing ethanol and other chemicals requires using cellulosics as feedstocks, which when hydrolyzed form hexose sugars readily metabolized by yeast. The pentoses produced on hydrolysis are not converted to ethanol anaerobically by the more highly fermentative strains of yeast. Recombinant DNA (genetic engineering) research work toward solving this problem is described. The biotechnological potential in using microorganisms at elevated temperatures could be considerable. A program was undertaken to discover thermophilic organisms that convert various biopolymers to ethanol and other chemical products. Lipids suitable as diesel oil extenders are produced by microorganisms. A screening program was undertaken to identify microbial strains with a biotechnological potential. This involved a precise, quantitative chemical analysis of lipid products. Some work on developing a 2,3-butanediol fermentation process is described. During the fermentation process ethanol is also produced. To improve the ratio of butanediol to ethanol, a program of genetic and physiological research was designed and initiated.
- Research Organization:
- Solar Energy Research Inst., Golden, CO (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-77CH00178
- OSTI ID:
- 5250387
- Report Number(s):
- SERI/PR-232-1511; ON: DE82017089
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
ALCOHOL FUELS
BIOSYNTHESIS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
CELLULOSE
HYDROLYSIS
ETHANOL
BUTANEDIOLS
CLOSTRIDIUM
CLOSTRIDIUM THERMOCELLUM
DIESEL FUELS
DISTILLATION
ESCHERICHIA COLI
GASOHOL
HEXOSES
LIPIDS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MICROORGANISMS
PENTOSES
THERMOPHILIC CONDITIONS
WHEY
XYLOSE
YEASTS
ALCOHOLS
ALDEHYDES
BACTERIA
CARBOHYDRATES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DECOMPOSITION
FUELS
FUNGI
GLYCOLS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
INDUSTRIAL WASTES
LIQUID FUELS
LYSIS
MONOSACCHARIDES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PLANTS
POLYSACCHARIDES
SACCHARIDES
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SOLVOLYSIS
SYNTHESIS
SYNTHETIC FUELS
WASTES
140504* - Solar Energy Conversion- Biomass Production & Conversion- (-1989)
090122 - Hydrocarbon Fuels- Preparation from Wastes or Biomass- (1976-1989)