Eco Factor: Bacteria can produce biofuel from non-food biomass.
New research could lead to the end of the fuel versus food controversy regarding biofuels. Scientists are presently experimenting with bacteria called “Anaerocellum” that is said to be capable of breaking down cellulosic biomass to sugar. Not only this, but it can also ferment it to produce ethanol. Researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory are testing poplar tree samples in hopes of finding non-food alternate biomass to fulfill future energy needs. These microbes and micro-algae can provide cheap energy in an efficient manner. What we need is a method through which non-food biomass could be broken down into sugar and other components.
These bacteria, commonly found in places where temperatures exceed 80 degrees Celsius, are the answer to the 21st-century energy crisis. Other than this, scientists are also experimenting with purple bacteria that use photosynthesis to produce hydrogen from a combination of cellulosic feedstocks and sunlight. Presently a prototype of microbial batteries, combination of bacteria and fuel cells, has been developed. By exposing this enclosed system to sunlight, researchers claim, enough energy can be generated to power a laptop.
Via: TopNews
