Category Archives: Biotechnology

Background:
Effective pretreatment is key to achieving high enzymatic saccharification efficiency in processing lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars, biofuels and value-added products. Ionic liquids (ILs), still relatively new class of solvents, are attractive for biomass pretreatment because some demonstrate the rare ability to dissolve all components of lignocellulosic biomass including highly ordered (crystalline) cellulose. In the present study, three ILs, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C4mim]Cl), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C2mim]Cl), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([C2mim]OAc) are used to dissolve/pretreat and fractionate sugarcane bagasse. In these IL-based pretreatments the biomass is completely or partially dissolved in ILs at temperatures greater than 130[DEGREE SIGN]C and then precipitated by the addition of an antisolvent to the IL biomass mixture. For the first time mass balances of IL-based pretreatments are reported. Such mass balances, along with kinetics data, can be used in process modelling and design.
Results:
Lignin removals of 10% mass of lignin in bagasse with [C4mim]Cl, 50% mass with [C2mim]Cl and 60% mass with [C2mim]OAc, are achieved by limiting the amount of water added as antisolvent to 0.5 water:IL mass ratio thus minimising lignin precipitation. Enzyme saccharification (24 h, 15FPU) yields (% cellulose mass in starting bagasse) from the recovered solids rank as: [C2mim]OAc(83%)>>[C2mim]Cl(53%) = [C4mim]Cl(53%). Composition of [C2mim]OAc-treated solids such as low lignin, low acetyl group content and preservation of arabinosyl groups are characteristic of aqueous alkali pretreatments while those of chloride IL-treated solids resemble aqueous acid pretreatments. All ILs are fully recovered after use (100% mass as determined by ion chromatography).
Conclusions:
In all three ILs regulated addition of water as an antisolvent effected a polysaccharide enriched precipitate since some of the lignin remained dissolved in the aqueous IL solution. Of the three IL studied [C2mim]OAc gave the best saccharification yield, material recovery and delignification. The effects of [C2mim]OAc pretreatment resemble those of aqueous alkali pretreatments while those of [C2mim]Cl and [C4mim]Cl resemble aqueous acid pretreatments. The use of imidazolium IL solvents with shorter alkyl chains results in accelerated dissolution, pretreatment and degradation.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/rss/

Background:
Very high gravity (VHG) fermentation using medium in excess of 250 g/L sugars for more than 15 % (v) ethanol can save energy consumption, not only for ethanol distillation, but also for distillage treatment; however, stuck fermentation with prolonged fermentation time and more sugars unfermented is the biggest challenge. Controlling redox potential (ORP) during VHG fermentation benefits biomass accumulation and improvement of yeast cell viability that is affected by osmotic pressure and ethanol inhibition, enhancing ethanol productivity and yield, the most important techno-economic aspect of fuel ethanol production.
Results:
Batch fermentation was performed under different ORP conditions using the flocculating yeast and media containing glucose of 201 [PLUS-MINUS SIGN] 3.1, 252 [PLUS-MINUS SIGN] 2.9 and 298 [PLUS-MINUS SIGN] 3.8 g/L. Compared with ethanol fermentation by non-flocculating yeast, different ORP profiles were observed with the flocculating yeast due to the morphological change associated with the flocculation of yeast cells. When ORP was controlled at [MINUS SIGN]100 mV, ethanol fermentation with the high gravity (HG) media containing glucose of 201 [PLUS-MINUS SIGN] 3.1 and 252 [PLUS-MINUS SIGN] 2.9 g/L was completed at 32 and 56 h, respectively, producing 93.0 [PLUS-MINUS SIGN] 1.3 and 120.0 [PLUS-MINUS SIGN] 1.8 g/L ethanol, correspondingly. In contrast, there were 24.0 [PLUS-MINUS SIGN] 0.4 and 17.0 [PLUS-MINUS SIGN] 0.3 g/L glucose remained unfermented without ORP control. As high as 131.0 [PLUS-MINUS SIGN] 1.8 g/L ethanol was produced at 72 h when ORP was controlled at [MINUS SIGN]150 mV for the VHG fermentation with medium containing 298 [PLUS-MINUS SIGN] 3.8 g/L glucose, since yeast cell viability was improved more significantly.
Conclusions:
No lag phase was observed during ethanol fermentation with the flocculating yeast, and the implementation of ORP control improved ethanol productivity and yield. When ORP was controlled at [MINUS SIGN]150 mV, more reducing power was available for yeast cells to survive, which in turn improved their viability and VHG ethanol fermentation performance. On the other hand, controlling ORP at [MINUS SIGN]100 mV stimulated yeast growth and enhanced ethanol production under the HG conditions. Moreover, the ORP profile detected during ethanol fermentation with the flocculating yeast was less fluctuated, indicating that yeast flocculation could attenuate the ORP fluctuation observed during ethanol fermentation with non-flocculating yeast.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/rss/

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today thanked Gov. Mitt Romney for his stated intention to support increased market penetration and competition among energy sources by maintaining the RFS in The Romney Plan For A Stronger Middle Class: ENERGY INDEPENDENCE, released yesterday.

BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood said, The Renewable Fuel Standard is the bedrock policy supporting the emergence of advanced biofuels. The United States is at a critical juncture in the development of advanced biofuels, which are poised to make a real contribution to energy independence and security. Companies across the United States have made substantial long-term investments in building new biorefineries. The first commercial gallons of cellulosic biofuels were produced this year and the first large-scale biorefineries are set to begin production soon, adding to those gallons. Additional large-scale biorefineries are under construction, with production ready to begin within the next few years.

Stable support for the Renewable Fuel Standard at the federal level provides assurance to these companies that their investments will come to fruition. Innovative biofuels have already brought competition among energy sources to the marketplace and lowered prices for consumers. Further, construction and operation of biorefineries will continue to generate new employment opportunities.

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the worlds largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtechNOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling innovations transforming our world. Subscribe to BIOtechNOW.

Upcoming BIO Events

BIO India International Conference September 12 13, 2012 Mumbai, India

Livestock Biotech Summit September 19 21, 2012 Kansas City, MO

BIO Investor Forum October 9 10, 2012 San Francisco, CA

Read more here:
BIO Thanks Romney, Ryan for Supporting Energy Security and Standing Firm on the Renewable Fuel Standard

WASHINGTON & MUMBAI, India--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today announces the initial selection of presenting companies for the 3rd Annual BIO India International Conference, September 12-13 at the Grand Hyatt in Mumbai, India. Through company presentations and partnering opportunities available at the BIO India event, attendees will be able to connect with other industry leaders to discuss potential collaborations and deals.

BIO brings to India more than ten years experience and expertise in biotechnology and pharmaceutical partnering. BIO is renowned for its successful partnering meetings held around the globe, including the industrys largest partnering event the BIO Business Forum at the BIO International Convention.

BIO India is a unique event that allows biotech and pharmaceutical leaders from around the world to gather and explore potential partnerships and collaborations with Indias life science companies. It is our hope that attendees and presenters alike capitalize on the exceptional opportunities available only at this event, said Alan Eisenberg, Executive Vice President of Emerging Companies and Business Development at BIO.

BIO India will once again feature company presentations by biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Last year's conference attracted over 320 attendees representing 200 companies from 15 countries around the world. Presenting companies receive increased visibility prior to and during the conference to BIO members and event attendees, as well as access to the One-on-One Partnering system. To apply to present at BIO India, click here.

As of today, the following companies are scheduled to present at this years event:

Indias biotech and pharmaceutical space is world class, and the number and type of collaborations between Indian and US or EU companies has grown rapidly in the past few years. Event attendees will have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders through BIOs One-on-One Partnering system to 30-minute meetings in private rooms provided by BIO onsite at the conference. This industry-specific, web-based interactive software enables participants to move efficiently from the identification of prospective partners to discussion and negotiations. To learn more about the system, including its evolution, read here.

Through this conference and ongoing advocacy efforts, BIO aims to help the industry flourish within India's borders and help patients and citizens benefit from the promise of biotech. BIO has partnered with the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE), which represents Indian and Asian biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, as well as leading investment banks and Venture Capital firms.

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the worlds largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtechNOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling innovations transforming our world.

Read more here:
BIO India to Spur Cross-Border Collaborations and Partnership Deals

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Biotechnology Industry Organizations (BIO) 2012 Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy will feature four breakout tracks with 24 sessions, designed to keep you on the cutting edge of industrial biotech. The Summit will bring together industry leaders, university researchers and venture capitalists to facilitate networking and business partnerships this October 10-12 at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver, Canada.

Breakout tracks include Advanced Biofuels and Biorefinery Platforms; Biomass Production and Utilization; Renewable Chemical Production; and Technical and Research Presentations. Featured sessions will focus on financing and continued commercialization of biorefineries for advanced biofuels and renewable chemicals.

A growing biobased economy can strengthen the nations economic security and enhance energy security, said Brent Erickson, executive vice president for BIOs Industrial & Environmental Section. Our outstanding line-up of breakout sessions will highlight the growing biobased economy and showcase how vital capital and financing are to continued development. Building a biobased economy will generate good jobs in manufacturing, agricultural production and forestry, transportation and distribution, and construction.

Breakout sessions include:

Creating an Acceptable Supply of Biomass Feedstock to Satisfy Project Financing Requirements Wednesday, October 10, 8:30 - 10am

Financing Biorefinery Projects Wednesday, October 10, 10:30am - 12pm

Advances in the Commercial Production of Biobased Products Thursday, October 11, 2 - 3:30pm

Microalgae: Advancing to Commercial Applications Thursday, October 11, 4 - 5:30pm

Biorefinery Platforms: Perspectives from Leading Commercial Developers Friday, October 12, 8:30 - 10am

The rest is here:
BIO Pacific Rim Summit to Address Commercialization and Capital in Industrial Biotechnology

Argentina is working on a new seed law to protect intellectual property rights for agricultural biotechnology in a bid to lure Monsanto Co. (MON) to bring its second generation of transgenic-soybean seeds into the country.

"We've decide to move forward on a seed law draft, as corresponds in a country that aspires to be a leader in food production," agriculture minister Norberto Yauhar said in a press release Tuesday.

"We're looking to protect intellectual property in the development process," Mr. Yauhar said, adding that the bill will be sent to congress for debate in the coming months.

Argentina is the world's top soymeal and soyoil exporter, and ranks third behind the U.S. and Brazil in soybean exports.

Agricultural-biotech-company Monsanto is planning on selling its second-generation of transgenic-soybean seeds in Argentina in 2014 despite struggling for years to collect royalties on the first-generation seeds.

The U.S. patent for those first-generation soybean seeds, which are genetically modified to resist the herbicide glyphosate, runs out in 2014. The new seeds, will add insect resistance as well.

Monsanto failed to obtain a local patent for the genetically modified soybean seeds it introduced in Argentina 15 years ago and its efforts to collect royalties have been foiled by local regulations.

However, Monsanto says it is making progress in reaching an agreement with growers to pay royalties before introducing the new, improved strain of soybean seeds.

Monsanto has a patent for the new seeds in Argentina, but under current local law, farmers aren't required to pay royalties on the seeds they hold back for the next planting season.

Virtually all of the soybeans grown in Argentina are based on Monsanto's technology and the company is hoping that the potential yield increase for the second generation seeds will entice Argentina to get serious on ensuring it can collect royalties.

Read the rest here:
Argentina Plans New Biotechnology Law in Bid to Tempt Monsanto