AbstractBiofuels for future generationsSivakumar et al., Eng. Life Sci. 2010, 10, 8–18.About 90% of our current energy are supplied by fossil fuels: petroleum, coal, and natural gas. As the growing population generates an increasing demand of fuels, new technologies are needed for fuel extraction using feedstocks, which do not threaten food security. In parallel, environmental pollution should be minimized or eliminated. Liquid biofuels such as lignocellulosic‐based ethanol from plant biomass and algal‐based biodiesel are sustainable, alternative biofuels that could stabilize national security and provide clean energy for future generations. Ideally, the technology should also foster recycling of agricultural feedstocks, and improve soil fertility and human health. This provides updated information on the energy potential and breadth of liquid biofuel biotechnology.http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/elsc.200900061magnified imageTextile wastewater decolorizationBöhmer et al., Eng. Life Sci. 2010, 10, 26–34.Textile industry is consuming large quantities of wastewater containing various kinds of dyes that cannot be degraded in conventional wastewater plants. White‐rot fungi produce several appropriate enzymes for biological dye degradation, which are naturally involved in the degradation of lignin, a highly complex phenolic substance. Researchers from Dresden, Germany, evaluated two white‐rod fungi on two types of lignite absorbent that were also used as substrate. Lignite granules could be feasibly used for the immobilization of filamentous fungi while xylite was not optimal for fungal growth, although presenting a high‐adsorption capacity. Finally, the activity of the enzymes produced by the fungi was the main determinant of dye degradation.http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/elsc.200900024magnified imageEngineering joint cartilageKuo and Leou, Eng. Life Sci. 2010, 10, 65–74.Researchers from Taiwan present a novel approach of cartilage tissue engineering analyzing chondrogenesis, the differentiation of chondrocytes, and the secretion of extracellular matrices. Since mammalian pituitaries secrete and accumulate various growth factors or hormones, biologically effective ingredients may exist in pituitary extracts, its effects on the cultivation of bovine knee chondrocytes (BKCs) in three‐dimensional chitin/chitosan biomaterials were evaluated. Transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) was identified as the main component in the extract. Over 4‐wk cultivation, the amounts of proliferated BKCs, secreted glycosaminoglycans and produced collagen were improved with the concentration of TGF‐β1 in culture medium. However, pituitary extract induced extracellular matrix synthesis more efficiently than pure TGF‐β1.http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/elsc.200900048magnified image