Co-fermentation process makes significant progress in biofuel research

Monday, July 1, 2024

Media Contact: Tanner Holubar | Communications Specialist | 405-744-2065 | [email protected]

Researchers at Oklahoma State University’s College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology continue to refine the co-fermentation process that produces butanol, a biofuel made from renewable resources that can be converted into jet fuel.

OSU received the patent in November 2021. for the co-fermentation process developed by Dr. Hasan Atiyeh, professor of biosystems and agricultural engineering.

In this process, sugars are converted into alcohols, organic acids and ketones through fermentation.. In order to capture carbon dioxide, gas-fermenting bacteria are introduced, which are also fermented to increase biofuel production. This co-fermentation method reduces environmental impact compared to fossil-based butanol.

The method involves adding natural bacteria to ferment sugars from plant materials. It combines sugar-fermenting bacteria with gas-fermenting bacteria, capturing carbon dioxide, which is also fermented to produce more biofuels.

Atiyeh said traditional production of fuels and chemicals from fossil fuels has significant environmental impacts, emitting greenhouse gases and leading to high levels of carbon dioxide and other pollutants. The extraction and processing of fossil fuels contributes to soil, water and air pollution and habitat destruction. In the past two years, significant progress has been made in the co-fermentation process.

“We have successfully improved co-fermentation bacteria using CRISPR-based gene editing to improve their tolerance to inhibitory compounds in biomass,” Atiyeh said. “Our optimized co-fermentation process now converts both sugars and carbon dioxide into biofuels, increasing product yields and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We have also demonstrated the cost-effectiveness of using corn steep liquor as the medium, further improving the feasibility of large-scale biofuel production.”

 Since receiving the patent, Atiyeh has seen significant progress in the research. Microbial strains have been optimized using “CRISPR-based gene editing to increase butanol production and tolerance to inhibitory compounds.”

 “We integrated an in situ separation process to recover butanol during the co-fermentation process. We also tested the ability of three new acetogens to convert carbon dioxide into C2 to C6 alcohols and fatty acids,” Atiyeh said.

 Although the research results have not yet been implemented in industry, Atiyeh stressed that once the technology is fully developed, it could provide significant benefits to the industry by increasing biofuel production, reducing carbon emissions and promoting a circular economy.

CEAT students contributed to this research by actively participating in laboratory experiments, data collection, and development of the co-fermentation process.

This hands-on engagement not only increases their understanding of biotechnology and bioengineering, but also equips them with practical skills for sustainable biofuel production. Atiyeh said that students not only gain academic enrichment, but they also have the opportunity to co-create publications and present their research results at conferences, which helps them make their presence known in the scientific community.

“This hands-on experience not only prepares students for future careers in biotechnology and renewable energy, but also gives them the opportunity to drive economic growth and promote environmental sustainability both locally and globally,” Atiyeh said.

Research into the production of butanol from renewable sources, especially lignocellulosic (or plant) biomass, is extremely important in the context of trying to solve the global problems related to aviation fuel emissions and sustainable development.

Butanol offers numerous advantages over ethanol, including higher energy density and compatibility with existing fuel infrastructure. Atiyeh said the potential conversion of butanol into sustainable aviation fuel through hydrogenation underscores “its critical role in reducing the carbon footprint of the aviation sector, which currently contributes significantly to global carbon dioxide emissions.”

There are several challenges that hinder the widespread use of butanol, such as the high cost of biomass processing and, low butanol yield during fermentation. Atiyeh said addressing these challenges is key to developing sustainable biorefineries capable of meeting growing demand for biofuels.

  “Current research efforts, such as the novel co-fermentation process developed by my team, are a major step forward,” Atiyeh said. “By using CRISPR-based gene editing and optimizing fermentation processes, my team has achieved increased yields and efficiency in producing butanol from sugars and biomass-derived carbon dioxide. This innovative approach not only increases production but also reduces carbon dioxide emissions, underscoring its potential to revolutionize the biofuel industry.”

read more about Dr. Atiyeh’s research.