New Biofuel Created

Scientists in the US have created a new environmentally friendly fuel from Escherichia coli, better known as ‘E.coli’ – a type of bacteria found in the human body. This fuel, they say, provides up to three times more efficiency than ethanol.

In an exciting and unprecedented event, the scientists – working at the University of California – were able to manufacture a strain capable of producing alcohol that contains two or three more carbon atoms in each molecule than are presently found. The significance of this is that, from a fuel industry point of view, these higher-energy molecules would be more beneficial.

From their work, the scientists projected that, before too long, it may be possible to create molecules with an ever higher carbon atom concentration.

Genetic Alteration

E.coli – which is frequently linked both to pollution and to incidents of food poisoning – is capable of being altered with the result that each cell can produce so-termed “long-chain alcohol” – a development that, according to the scientists, could both act against global warming and result in a more efficient type of fuel.

“We wanted to create larger, longer-chain molecules because they contain more energy”, the scientists wrote in their report, adding: “this is significant in the production of gasoline or even jet fuel.”

The scientists further noted that natural barriers need not be the limit of what humans could achieve, writing:
“From a scientific standpoint, we wanted to show that we can expand nature's capability in making alcohol molecules.

“We showed we are not limited by what nature creates.”

They also highlighted their belief that the best use of E.coli would be in combination with organic materials just as ethanol – which is made up of molecules each containing two carbon atoms - is made from sugarcane or corn.

"We used E. coli because the genetic system is well known, it grows quickly and we can engineer it very easily" the report said.

"But this technique can actually be used on many different organisms, opening the door to vast possibilities in the realm of polymer as well as drug manufacturing."

Algae Fuel

In other recent fuel-related environment news, Environmental News reported yesterday on how an American airline – Continental Airlines – had just flown an aircraft partly on alternative fuel – specifically algae.

Environmental News will continue to report on new fuel developments – and the processes behind them – in future News Items.