Genomics For Efficient Biofuel Production
Posted by Srikant Rajan | # |
05:59:40 am on August 21, 2008

Cellulosic biofuels , involve tapping into plant material components such as cellulose,lignin and harness the energy tapped in by sun. Essentially any organic material ( biomass ) , contains energy which may be released and harnessed for various purposes. Thus to maximize energy output,the entire cycle of biomass production needs to be analyzed. This may allow for identification and subsequent enhancement of certain processes that may ultimately increase energy harvested. Genomics may be the key to achieve the same.Microorganisms,plant material are a combination of different chemicals such as glucose which are broken down for energy extraction. Careful analysis may allow  “  tweaking  ”  of these chemicals that allow for maximum breakdown of sugar(glucose).

Recently , yeast Pichia stipitis that ferments plant sugars , was sequenced which , in turn may provide valuable insights for efficient biomass to energy conversion. Researchers add  “  Using this prospecting technique, we can survey the vast microbial biodiversity to gain a better picture of the metabolic potential of genes and how they can be enlisted for the enzymatic deconstruction of biomass and subsequent conversion to high energy value fuels  “

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