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Bacteria generate alternative fuel in bioreactor




Michigan State University chemical engineering professor works on collaborative research project to create fuel from bacteria strain.  MSU brings strengths in bioreactor design to address challenges in managing optimum fermentation conditions, appropriate concentration levels, and delivery systems.  …Bioreactor expertise

…   “Worden has to overcome two major challenges in developing the bioreactor system.

Once Ralstonia eutropha is engineered to produce isobutanol, the isobutanol eventually will build up to a toxic level and kill the bacterium.

So he must create a way to harvest the isobutanol without interrupting the fermentation process. 

Secondly, because the bacterium’s energy source – hydrogen gas – is not very water-soluble, Worden must figure out how to feed it to the bacterium in a water-based system.”   …

Via Michigan State: Harvest alternative fuel (Link).

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Category: Biofuels



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