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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Techniques for the Evolution of Robust Pentose-fermenting Yeast for Bioconversion of Lignocellulose to Ethanol

Techniques for the Evolution of Robust Pentose-fermenting Yeast for Bioconversion of Lignocellulose to Ethanol

Published on: October 24, 2016

Life cycle evaluation of emerging lignocellulosic ethanol conversion technologies.

Sabrina Spatari¹, David M Bagley, Heather L MacLean

¹Drexel University, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. spatari@drexel.edu

Bioresource Technology

|September 19, 2009

Summary

Lignocellulosic ethanol offers a greener alternative for transportation fuels, reducing carbon intensity and petroleum demand. Future technologies show significant promise for lowering greenhouse gas emissions compared to current methods.

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Techniques for the Evolution of Robust Pentose-fermenting Yeast for Bioconversion of Lignocellulose to Ethanol

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High-throughput Screening of Recalcitrance Variations in Lignocellulosic Biomass: Total Lignin, Lignin Monomers, and Enzymatic Sugar Release

High-throughput Screening of Recalcitrance Variations in Lignocellulosic Biomass: Total Lignin, Lignin Monomers, and Enzymatic Sugar Release

Published on: September 15, 2015

Area of Science:

Biotechnology
Environmental Science
Chemical Engineering

Background:

Personal transportation significantly contributes to climate change and energy security concerns.
Lignocellulosic ethanol presents a viable alternative to conventional gasoline, offering reduced carbon intensity and petroleum dependence.

Purpose of the Study:

To compare the technological features and life cycle environmental impacts of near- and mid-term lignocellulosic ethanol bioconversion technologies in the U.S.
To evaluate key uncertainties in pre-treatment, hydrolysis, and fermentation processes.
To assess the potential for reducing fossil energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Main Methods:

Comparative analysis of different ethanol bioconversion pathways.
Life cycle assessment (LCA) of environmental impacts.
Evaluation of technological uncertainties in key bioconversion steps.

Main Results:

All studied lignocellulosic ethanol options are significantly more environmentally attractive than gasoline.
Anticipated future performance of bioconversion technologies surpasses current published achievements.
Electricity co-product credits play a crucial role in determining the GHG impacts of ethanol production.

Conclusions:

Optimizing ethanol facilities for ethanol production is vital for reducing the transportation sector's carbon intensity and enhancing energy security, especially in the absence of immediate alternatives to gasoline.
Lignocellulosic ethanol technologies demonstrate considerable potential for mitigating climate change and improving energy security.