Better Biofuel Production

New enzyme boost could hasten biofuel production

Researchers at Imperial College London have modified the glucosidase enzyme to break down plant-based biomass 30 times faster than is currently possible. Glucosidase makes quick work of breaking down plant-based cellulose into glucose, which can then be fermented to make ethanol—a biofuel. This is because glucosidase can be altered to increase its solubility in ionic liquids and improve its function in high temperatures. These changes accelerate the normally slow and expensive process of releasing glucose from cellulose.

Read the full article in the Imperial College London News →