Research Accomplishment Reports 2009

The Science and Engineering for a Biobased Industry and Economy

S.E. Nokes, C. Lee, C. Crofcheck, M. Montross
Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

 

Non-Technical Summary

The Land Grant University System, Resource Limitation, and the Impending Biological Revolution. A need for biofuels and other biobased products has been recognized as a national priority. The objectives of this project address research relating directly to SAAESD Goal 1 F (biobased products) and H (processing agricultural coproducts); research will influence Goal 5 B (rural community development and revitalizing rural economies) indirectly.

The importance and extent of the problem is characterized by the fact that the U.S. must drastically reduce its dependence on petroleum. This is not the fetish of a small proportion of the population; the U.S. society as a whole recognizes the need to reduce its dependence on petroleum as a source of fuels, chemicals and other materials. If this research work is not conducted, the technical capability necessary to switch from a petroleum-based economy to a bioresource-based one will not be developed.

The technical feasibility of the research is reinforced by the fact that this research will be conducted by professional researchers who currently are part of the Land Grant University system. As outlined in this project description, the Land Grant University system provides a unique capability to enable research for biobased products by providing a world class research network. Replacing petroleum products with those originating from biological sources will require significant fundamental and applied research efforts.

Outcomes or projected Impacts: -The committee has served and will continue to serve as a resource for: Bioresearch and Development Initiative (BRDI), Biomass, Research and Development Board working groups, SBIR panel Biofuels 8.8, USDA/DOE Biomass Initiative Project Review Teams, NRI 71.2 panel and reviewers for the Sun Grant Initiative. -The multi-state membership will contribute to the implementation of the REE energy science strategic plan. -Multi-state membership will contribute to identification of funding priorities and shaping policy of Federal agencies -Research as a result of this project will create technology adopted by industry with at least two licensed technology per year. -Research will enable reduced dependency on foreign-based fuels and chemicals.

2009 Project Description

The annual meeting was held in September, 2009 in Portland, Oregon. Several of the investigators on this project consulted with the Kentucky Energy Cabinet's task force on biomass utilization to develop Kentucky's Energy Plan. Three courses were developed at the University of Kentucky; Fundamentals of Biorenewable Resources; Biofuels; and Thermochemical Conversion of Biomass.

2009 Impact

ideos were created of the course lectures. The University of Kentucky collaborated with the University of Idaho and Iowa State University to develop the courses and share lecture material.

2009 Publications

Coleman, N., C. Crofcheck, S. Nokes and B. Knutson. 2009. Effects of Growth Media pH and Reaction Water Activity on the Conversion of Acetophenone to (S)-1-phenylethanol by Saccharomyces cerevisiae Immobilized on Celite 635 and in Calcium Alginate. Trans of ASABE. 52(2):665-671.

Timmons, MD, BL Knutson, SE Nokes, H.J. Strobel, BC Lynn. 2009. Analysis of composition and structure of Clostridium thermocellum membranes from wild-type and ethanol-adapted strains. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. Vol. 82(5):929-939.

Chinn, M.S., Nokes, S.E., Strobel, H.J. 2008. Influence of Process Conditions on End Product Formation from Clostridium thermocellum 27405 in Solid Substrate Cultivation on Avicel. Bioresource Technology. Available online 12 July 2007. doi:10.1016 j.biortech.2007.04.052. Vol. 99(7) May 2008: 2664-2671.