Scientists Demonstrate New Way to Generate Fuel Using Cyanobacteria In a groundbreaking development, scientists from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology have successfully produced butanol using genetically modified cyanobacteria. This fuel-like substance can be used in vehicles and is generated through sunlight, carbon dioxide, and bacterial activity. Butanol stands out as a promising biofuel because it's derived from renewable sources and has a higher energy density compared to ethanol. It’s estimated to be up to 20 times more efficient than traditional methods like corn-based ethanol production. The research team engineered the cyanobacteria by integrating specific genes into their genome, allowing them to produce and secrete butanol naturally. Instead of relying on their usual metabolic pathways, the bacteria were modified to focus on alcohol production. Through extensive experimentation, the scientists found that they could control butanol output by adjusting environmental factors. Paul Hudson, the lead researcher, explained that this level of control could enable precise timing for fuel production. However, he noted that commercialization of the technology might take around a decade before it becomes widely available. “We’re excited about the potential of producing biofuels from cyanobacteria,†Hudson said. “But it’s important to recognize that this method is fundamentally different from current biofuel technologies.†A renowned Swedish biotech expert highlighted that genetic modification of microorganisms is still an emerging field. The ability of bacteria to convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into affordable energy could revolutionize the future of sustainable power. (Shang Li) LINYI JIUHENG IMPORT AND EXPORT CO.,LTD , https://www.jiuhengwood.com
A microscopic view of blue algae. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are a type of prokaryotic organism that can perform photosynthesis.