Second generation, sustainable, bacterial biofuels

Biobutanol is widely recognised as a superior biofuel to ethanol, in terms of energy content, ease of distribution, versatility and applications. However, the strains of bacteria currently used to produce biobutanol generate unwanted by-products and are inefficient. Moreover, they are unable to utilise lignocellulose directly as a feedstock.

Aims and objectives

We aim to create more environmentally friendly and sustainable processes for second generation biofuel production by:

Using synthetic biology approaches to generate bacterial strains that can convert lignocellulose to fermentable sugars efficiently to maximise butanol productivity
Testing the most effective strains on an industrial demonstration scale

Key resources and technologies

Advanced gene technologies
Synthetic biology
Systems biology
Biochemistry
Fermentation technology

Programme lead

The University of Nottingham

Associated programme members

Newcastle University
TMO Renewables Ltd

External contact

Professor Nigel Peter Minton
BSBEC Second Generation, Sustainable, Bacterial Biofuels Programme
School of Molecular Medical Sciences
The University of Nottingham
Nottingham
NG7 2RD

nigel.minton@nottingham.ac.uk
tel: 0115 846 7458