Novel Process for Biomass Conversion to 5 Carbon Alcohols

As the world population increases and global GDP rises, the demand for energy is projected to increase dramatically. Fossil fuels are currently a leading energy source, approximately 50% of which is imported from foreign sources. A domestically produced, renewable energy source is needed to ensure the energy security of the United States. One source of domestic potential energy currently under-utilized is agricultural and forestry biomass which can top 1.3 billion tons annually. Conversion of this biomass to useable fuel sources can be accomplished via microorganisms which have been engineered to produce energy dense combustible molecules. Technology Holding LLC in collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory proposes to further develop an industrial bacterial strain which can metabolize hydrolysate from woody biomass to produce 5-Carbon Alcohols. These alcohols can be used as green bulk chemicals for the manufacture of various consumer products and as drop in fuel additive or replacement.