Raw Materials For Biofuels Research Articles

Bio-upcycling of cheese whey: Transforming waste into raw materials for biofuels and animal feed

Cheese whey (CW), by-product of cheese production, has potential as a valuable resource due to its nutritional composition. Although options for CW degradation have been explored, a biological treatment with black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) has not been reported. This study evaluated the growth and composition of BSFL in four experimental diets with CW under different conditions. Results show that the use of CW allows larval development and weight gain, also, the conversion into larval biomass was up to 0.215. Diets ED3 (fresh CW, 38 °C) and ED4 (fresh CW, room temperature) allowed higher weight accumulation (final weight up to 0.285 g); the highest fat accumulation (12 % higher than control) was observed in ED3 (up to 45.57 %), which had less protein. Moreover, higher amounts of saturated fatty acids are generated. This study highlights the importance of an appropriate pretreatment designed for a specific waste to control desired by-products.

Genome-wide identification and functional analysis of the cellulose synthase-like gene superfamily in common oat (Avena sativa L.)

Hemicelluloses constitute approximately one-third of the plant cell wall and can be used as a dietary fiber and food additive, and as raw materials for biofuels. Although genes involved in hemicelluloses synthesis have been investigated in some model plants, no comprehensive analysis has been conducted in common oat at present. In this study, we identified and systematically analyzed the cellulose synthase-like gene (Csl) family members in common oat and investigated them using various bioinformatics tools. The results showed that there are 76 members of the oat Csl gene family distributed on 17 chromosomes, and phylogenetic analysis indicated that the 76 Csl genes belong to the CslA, CslC, CslD, CslE, CslF, CslH, and CslJ subfamilies. A total of 14 classes of cis-acting elements were identified in the promoter regions, including hormone response, light response, cell development, and defense stress elements. The collinearity analysis identified 28 pairs of segmentally duplicated genes, most of which were found on chromosomes 2D and 6A. Expression pattern analysis showed that oat Csl genes display strong tissue-specific expression; of the 76 Csl genes, 33 were significantly up-regulated in stems and 30 were up-regulated in immature seeds. The expression of most members of the AsCsl gene family is repressed by abiotic stress, while the expression of some members is up-regulated by light. Immunoelectron microscopy shows that the product of AsCsl61, a member of CslF subfamily, mediates (1,3; 1,4)-β-D-glucan synthesis in transgenic Arabidopsis. These findings provide a fundamental understanding of the structural, functional, and evolutionary features of the oat Csl genes and may contribute to our general understanding of hemicellulose biosynthesis. Moreover, this information will be helpful in designing experiments for genetic manipulation of mixed-linkage glucan (MLG) synthesis with the goal of quality improvement in oat.

Pilot-scale extraction of multiple biopesticidal compounds from mustard biofuel by-products

Oils from Sinapis alba and Brassica juncea mustards can be used as a raw material for biofuel and biodiesel. Mustard seed meal left after oil extraction is considered a low value by-product. Valorization of mustard meal into biopesticide is one of the promising directions. The development of a suitable pilot scale extraction and concentration procedure is the first critical step to achieve this goal. Thus, the objective of the presented work was to develop a scaled-up process for producing mustard seed meal biopesticides. Modular pilot plant was built to allow for up to 100 gallons extraction capacity. The pilot plant setup included components that are widely accessible and can be adjusted to meet a range of production scales. The ratio of mustard seed meal to water, temperature, and extraction times were optimized for extraction of major mustard biopesticidal compounds (ionic thiocyanate, 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, and sinigrin). To evaluate the potential as an animal feed and further valorization of mustard seed meal, extracted mustard seed meals were analyzed for chemical composition. Based on total digestible nutrients and net energies, both B. juncea and S. alba extracted mustard seed meals were siutable animal feed for dairy cows.

THE EFFECT OF OZONATION, ULTRASONIC, AND HYBRID OZONATION-ULTRASONIC PRETREATMENT METHODS ON THE DELIGNIFICATION OF OIL PALM MESOCARP FIBERS

Oil palm mesocarp fiberis a by-product of the palm oil pressing process, which has great potential if used as a second-generation biofuel raw material. The main components of oil palm mesocarp fiber are cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin commonly called lignocellulose. Cellulose is the most valuable component to be utilized in the bioenergy sector. However, the oil palm mesocarp fibers lignin layer, which binds cellulose and restricts cellulose accessibility, makes it difficult to use. Ozone pretreatment is considered to be an alternative and effective method of lignin breakdown. This study compares the ozonation, ultrasonic, and hybrid ozonation-ultrasonicmethods used to degrade lignin in oil palm mesocarp fibers. The operating conditions were set at pH (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11), flow rate (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) L min-1, for (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100) minutes, at 29±1 oC. The research indicates that using ozonation-ultrasonic hybridization results in a more significant degradation of lignin than using ozonation and ultrasonics individually. In this investigation, the hybrid ozonation-ultrasonic treatment gives the best lignin degradation results and the highest quantities of cellulose, reaching 91.99% after 60 minutes at a temperature of 29±1 oC, a pH of 9, and a flow rate of 2 L.min-1. Meanwhile, the degradation of lignin using ozone treatment is 72.75%, and ultrasound only 47.70%. Cellulose with the highest purity is 89.71%.

Genomic analysis and biochemical profiling of an unaxenic strain of Synechococcus sp. isolated from the Peruvian Amazon Basin region.

Cyanobacteria are diverse photosynthetic microorganisms able to produce a myriad of bioactive chemicals. To make possible the rational exploitation of these microorganisms, it is fundamental to know their metabolic capabilities and to have genomic resources. In this context, the main objective of this research was to determine the genome features and the biochemical profile of Synechococcus sp. UCP002. The cyanobacterium was isolated from the Peruvian Amazon Basin region and cultured in BG-11 medium. Growth parameters, genome features, and the biochemical profile of the cyanobacterium were determined using standardized methods. Synechococcus sp. UCP002 had a specific growth rate of 0.086 ± 0.008μ and a doubling time of 8.08 ± 0.78h. The complete genome of Synechococcus sp. UCP002 had a size of ∼3.53Mb with a high coverage (∼200x), and its quality parameters were acceptable (completeness = 99.29%, complete and single-copy genes = 97.5%, and contamination = 0.35%). Additionally, the cyanobacterium had six plasmids ranging from 24 to 200kbp. The annotated genome revealed ∼3,422 genes, ∼ 3,374 protein-coding genes (with ∼41.31% hypothetical protein-coding genes), two CRISPR Cas systems, and 61 non-coding RNAs. Both the genome and plasmids had the genes for prokaryotic defense systems. Additionally, the genome had genes coding the transcription factors of the metalloregulator ArsR/SmtB family, involved in sensing heavy metal pollution. The biochemical profile showed primary nutrients, essential amino acids, some essential fatty acids, pigments (e.g., all-trans-β-carotene, chlorophyll a, and phycocyanin), and phenolic compounds. In conclusion, Synechococcus sp. UCP002 shows biotechnological potential to produce human and animal nutrients and raw materials for biofuels and could be a new source of genes for synthetic biological applications.

Challenges and opportunities of winter vine pruning for global grape and wine industries

Green and sustainable development have become one of the core requirements of the wine industry. Due to the needs of cultivation and management, a large number of winter vine pruning (WVP) residues are discarded in the vineyard or directly burned in the open air, and this extensive treatment poses a huge threat to the environment. In this paper, the physicochemical properties, high-value utilization strategies and possible risks in the process of utilization were systematically reviewed. Based on the investigation of WVP biomass in the grape and wine industries around the world, at least 6.73–18.59 Mt (million tons) of WVP biomass is generated worldwide each year, if all WVP is removed by field combustion, many pollutants would be generated globally. In fact, WVP is a huge agricultural resource library, about 90% of WVP consists of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, in addition to them, crude protein, crude fat, minerals and other bioactive compounds. Therefore, if the vineyard waste can be effectively transformed and utilized, and the high-value utilization of WVP can be carried out to replace the traditional extensive treatment, it will not only have good economic benefits, but also contribute to the green and sustainable development of the wine industry. This is undoubtedly an effective means to solve the WVP problem. For example, WVP residues could be reused as raw materials for biofuel, activated carbon, edible fungi breeding and industrial materials. In addition, bioactive compounds can be also extracted from WVP residues. This review pointed out the possible challenges and threats of the high-value utilization of WVP as well, such as how to prune efficiently? How to collect efficiently? How is non-toxic application? How can additional threats to the environment be reduced? The aim of the review is to reduce the threat of grape and wine industry to the environment, and increase the economic benefits of orchard, so as to open new ideas for green and sustainable development of grape and wine industry.

Environmental impact of Sargassum spp. landings: an evaluation of leachate released from natural decomposition at Mexican Caribbean coast.

Large volumes of pelagic Sargassum spp. have stranded periodically on the Mexican Caribbean shoreline. The aim of this research was to study the mobility of metals through the leachates released into the environment during the natural decomposition process of Sargassum spp. Fresh Sargassum samples were placed in cone-bed reactors: under laboratory and local environmental conditions. The leachate generated naturally by decomposition in both conditions was recovered periodically and analyses of pH, volume, and metal content were carried out. Sargassum biomass was monitored by electron microscopy, FT-IR, and CHNS analysis. The Sargassum biomass studied presented a C: N ratio of 24.39, making it a potential raw feedstock for biofuels and other value-added products. Calculations performed on leachate production allowed inferring that each ton of fresh Sargassum that decomposes at a controlled temperature of 27°C can produce 316 L of leachate. This leachate can contain 5.67g of As and other potentially toxic metals (e.g., B, Al, Cu). At the end of both experiments, the biomass that was incubated for 30days presented a C: N ratio of 28.86, so it can still be used as raw material for biofuels; however, the Sargassum biomass that remained 180days in incubation decreased its C:N ratio at 8.45 at this point, it can be considered a waste. The leachate generated during the natural decomposition process of Sargassum on beaches or disposal sites represents a high risk of contamination of the Yucatan Peninsula water system due to the high content of arsenic and the presence of potentially toxic metals.

Identification of potential application of oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB): a review

The palm oil industry is one industry that significantly contributes to the Indonesian economy. Indonesia’s palm oil exports keep increasing every year. In addition to producing CPO, the palm industry also produces solid, liquid and gaseous waste. The resulting waste can pollute the environment. Solid waste from the palm industry consists of oil palm empty fruit bunches, fruit juice fiber, palm kernel cake, shells and other solid waste. Of the various types of solid waste produced, oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) is the largest waste. The comparison of EFB waste management is presented in this paper. In recent years, various kinds of EFB handling have been implemented by researchers in order to increase the usefulness and added value of EFB. These range from simple technologies to advanced technologies. EFB has been used as a potential source of raw materials, such as raw materials for biofuels, mulch, papermaking materials, compost and agricultural biochar production. This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each technology and new technology proposals.

INVESTIGATIONS OF HYDRODYNAMICS AND HEAT EXCHANGE IN REMOTE HEAT EXCHANGE ELEMENTS OF EXTRACTORS

This article discusses innovative methods of extracting oil from vegetable raw materials. Due to the man-made load on the environment, many studies are aimed at researching new and improving old methods of extracting useful components from raw materials. Innovative methods must be not only resource-saving, but also environmentally friendly. That is why modern market requirements are aimed at developing the production of environmentally friendly and better products of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Among such products a significant amount is biologically active substances (BAS), which are produced from plant raw materials. The volumes of vegetable raw materials in Ukraine allow us to speak about the huge potential for obtaining valuable components of plant materials. Improving the production of various products based on innovative methods of technological processes is a necessary prerequisite for the development of modern industry. One of the problems to be solved by innovative methods and technologies is the maximum extraction of useful products from raw materials. In particular, this applies to the production of oils, which is used not only as a necessary food product, but also as a raw material for biofuels. Due to a number of advantages, the process of ultrasonic extraction is considered. An ultrasonic extractor with a remote heat exchange element is presented. To improve this device, it is proposed to change the heat exchange element such as "pipe in pipe". The simulations and calculations performed in the ANSIS program confirm that the proposed coil-type heat exchange element significantly affects the temperature of the extractant at the outlet, and hence the time of the extraction process.

Alternative fuels for transportation sector in Indonesia

Only a few countries in the world have rich energy resources like Indonesia which owns practically all-natural energy resources, including biological resources. Japan, a country renowned for its technological advancements, lacks sufficient land to cultivate crops used as raw materials for biofuels. Several countries near the north pole, do not expose to sunlight throughout the year like Indonesia, which impacted to development of solar energy to provide electricity. Therefore, this short article reviews the three main energy sources available in Indonesia for the transportation sector, which include: natural gas and coal as new energy sources; natural energy for electricity and hydrogen supply, and energy from biological sources.

BIOCARBON FROM DIFFERENT BIOMASS PRECURSORS

Thermochemical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass is considered as a good opportunity to obtain liquid raw materials for biofuels and biochemicals. During this pyrolysis process a solid product, biocarbon, is obtained. Nowadays there is a growing interest in biocarbon, due to the potential benefits of its application in soil as a stimulant and CO2 trap. The physicochemical and porous properties of biocarbon are suitable for development of effective and inexpensive sorbents for the removal of contaminants from water. Biocarbon has promising sorption properties for various pollutants in water, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals. Banana and orange peels, as well as cocoa flakes, were used as precursors. The carbonization was carried out at temperatures from 500 ° C to 900 ° C. Some of the samples were subjected to physical and chemical activation. The obtained carbon adsorbents are characterized by adsorption of iodine, BET, etc. It is planned to study the possibilities for the successful application of the obtained carbon materials as adsorbents for water and air purification, catalysts, hydrogen depots, etc.

Wild Mixed Culture Microalgae Biomass from UI Agathis Small Lake Harvested Directly using an Ultrasound Harvesting Module as Biofuel Raw Material

A follow-up study on the use of ultrasonic sound for harvesting a mixed culture of microalgae from a small lake for biofuel feedstock has been carried out. Observations were made at the Agathis small lake of Universitas Indonesia during the rainy

Cereal Processing By-Products as Rich Sources of Phenolic Compounds and Their Potential Bioactivities.

In today’s society, we can see a progressive paradigm shift that tends towards a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. The proof is represented by the growing interest in food loss and waste of different sectors, from the political to the academic, or even to the private sector. In order to reduce food waste and to increase sustainability, the European Union (EU) has planned a circular bioeconomy. This action plan includes an approach based on reducing, reusing, recovering, and recycling materials and energy. Every year, there are high amounts of waste and by-products resulting from agricultural producing and agro-industrial processing, impacting the environment and the socio-economic sector. Cereal food products cover over 20% of daily diet, so it can be assumed that cereal production and processing are one of the most important sectors of agri-food industries. It is estimated that the waste generated from cereal processing and manufacturing is up to 13%, a percentage that can be decreased by converting the by-products in raw materials for biofuels, biodegradable plastics, alcohols, antioxidants, food additives, or pharmaceutic ingredients due to their content in macro- and micro-nutrients or bioactive compounds. Based on the fact that diet plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of our body, it is important to capitalize on any source of bioactive compounds to which we have access. This review aims to highlight the need to recirculate by-products for the purpose of extraction and use of their key compounds, polyphenols, which have not only antioxidant effects, but also preventive and therapeutic effects against cancer. For these, it is necessary to understand the biotechnologies needed for processing the most consumed cereals, the methods of extraction of phenolic compounds, and the main effects that these compounds have, summarizing the most relevant in vitro and in vivo studies performed so far.

Dissolved oxygen concentration as a strategy to select type and composition of bacterial storage lipids produced during oilfield produced water treatment

Oilfield produced water (PW) management and treatment represents a significant cost to oil producers. Alcanivorax borkumensis is a marine bacteria capable of converting hydrocarbons into storage lipids, currently of great interest as raw materials for biofuel or oleochemical industries. In this study, the effect of dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration on the production of storage compounds by A. borkumensis SK2 was investigated in a sequencing batch airlift reactor treating saline oilfield produced water (PW). Intracellular lipids accumulation decreased from 0.74 g/g cellular dry weight (CDW) (7–8 mg/L O2) to 0.51 g/g CDW under 2–3 mg/L O2 and 0.45 g/g CDW during alternated DO concentrations of 7–8/1–2 mg/L O2 (famine/feast stage). Triacylglycerols were the main lipids accumulated for DO of 7–8 and 2–3 mg/L O2. During alternated DO conditions, accumulation of polyhydroxyalkanoates (0.41 g/g CDW) was observed. Extracellular lipids production were mainly wax esters and not significantly affected by DO concentration. Fatty acid (FA) composition and relative proportions of saturated and unsaturated FA in the produced compounds was also affected by oxygen availability. The obtained results show that selection of DO concentration during PW treatment can be used as a strategy to direct bacterial metabolism to production of a particular compound of interest. Hydrocarbon removal efficiencies in the range of 90%–96% were achieved showing that is possible to reduce aeration costs without compromising PW treatment and concomitant production of valuable compounds.

Economic significance, nutritional value and application of triticale

Triticale is a new type of real grain, which was created by the breeding and selection of a man. This species deserves more and more attention from both domestic producers and producers on a global scale because it encompassed all the positive properties of wheat and rye. The paper clearly presents the knowledge about the importance, nutritional value and application of triticale and the effect of its usage in a diet of monogastric animals. The variety of uses, appropriate chemical composition, acceptable and studied breeding technology, classifies triticale as an irreplaceable source of energy and protein needs of animals. Due to its multiple usages: for grain, fodder and as a raw material for biofuel, contributes to the economic sustainability of crop production. The needs of this plant at the level of agrotechnical investments are less than in other cereals, so triticale is increasingly presented in organic and sustainable agricultural production.

Improvement of sugarcane for borer resistance using Agrobacterium mediated transformation of cry1Ac gene

ABSTRACT The sugarcane (Saccharum X officinarum) is one of the most important crops used to produce sugar and raw material for biofuel in the world. One of the main causes for sucrose content and yield losses is the attack by insect. In this investigation, cry1Ac gene was introduced into sugarcane variety GT54-9(C9) using the Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation method for transgenic sugarcane production presenting insect-resistance. The A. tumefaciens strain GV1303 including pARTcry1Ac vector was used for the production of transformed sugarcane. The Bacillus thuringiensis cry gene were successfully used to produce transgenic plants used for the improvement of both agronomic efficiency and product quality by acquiring insect resistance. PCR and Southern hybridization techniques were used to confirm the cry1Ac gene incorporation into sugarcane genome. Transformation percentage was 22.2% using PCR analysis with specific primers for cry1Ac and npt-II (Neomycin phosphotransferase) genes. The expression of cry1Ac gene was determined using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), QuickStix test, and insect bioassays. Bioassays for transformed sugarcane plants showed high level of toxicity to Sesamia cretica giving 100% mortality of the larvae. Sugarcane insect resistance was improved significantly by using cry1Ac gene transformation.

Development of a species-specific transformation system using the novel endogenous promoter calreticulin from oleaginous microalgae Ettlia sp.

Microalgae not only serve as raw materials for biofuel but also have uses in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. However, regulated gene expression in microalgae has only been achieved in a few strains due to the lack of genome information and unstable transformation. This study developed a species-specific transformation system for an oleaginous microalga, Ettlia sp. YC001, using electroporation. The electroporation was optimized using three parameters (waveform, field strength, and number of pulses), and the final selection was a 5 kV cm−1 field strength using an exponential decay wave with one pulse. A new strong endogenous promoter CRT (Pcrt) was identified using transcriptome and quantitative PCR analysis of highly expressed genes during the late exponential growth phase. The activities of this promoter were characterized using a codon optimized cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) as a reporter. The expression of CFP was similar under Pcrt and under the constitutive promoter psaD (PpsaD). The developed transformation system using electroporation with the endogenous promoter is simple to prepare, is easy to operate with high repetition, and utilizes a species-specific vector for high expression. This system could be used not only in molecular studies on microalgae but also in various industrial applications of microalgae.

ТЕПЛОТВОРНАЯ СПОСОБНОСТЬ ПОСТПИРОГЕННОЙ ДРЕВЕСИНЫ СОСНЫ

The forests of the North are characterized by frequent exposure to ground fires. The study of wood qualities at the burnt areas for its rational use is relevant. The aim of the study was to study the calorific value of Scots pine after a ground fire. The studies were conducted in the Permilovsk, Unsk and Obozersk forest districts of the Arkhangelsk region from 2016-2018. The fire duration in the studied areas was 3-8 years. The calorific value of pine wood in an absolutely dry state was determined using an ABK-1V automated bomb calorimeter. The calorific value of pine wood of post-pyrogenic stands averages from 21,389 J/g to 22,452 J/g. In post-pyrogenic stands, the calorific value of pine soundwood is significantly higher (1331 J/g) compared to sapwood. In pine trees that have dried up after a ground fire and in viable trees that are susceptible to 1-2 stages of decay, the calorific value of wood is at the level of healthy trees. It is 21,182 — 22,590 J/g and 21,521 — 22,394 J/g, respectively. However, sapwood for this category of trees has lower values of 19,648 — 19,873 J/g. The average calorific value of pine wood in plantations not damaged by fires is lower by 658 — 1,721 J/g in comparison with post-pyrogenic ones. For the first time, data on the calorific value of post-pyrogenic wood of trees of different status categories were obtained for the north of the Arkhangelsk region. The calorific value of post-pyrogenic pine wood of different categories of state is characterized by increased values. It allows it to be used as raw material for biofuel.

Influence of molecular structure of oleoresin-derived compounds on flame properties and emissions from laminar flames.

The search for renewable fuels or components which may improve or replace fossil fuels is an important step towards a sustainable future. In particular, the pine oleoresin produced by conifer trees, which is composed by turpentine oil and non-volatile rosin, may be transformed into alternative fuels. In this work, combustion of six molecules which can be obtained from oleoresin either by distillation (i.e., α- and β-pinene) or by further oxyfunctionalization (nopol, terpineol, myrtenol, and borneol) was studied to assess the potential of pine oleoresin as raw material for biofuels. Emission indices of the main pollutants (carbon monoxide-CO, unburned hydrocarbons-UHC, and nitrogen oxides-NOx) were obtained in non-premixed co-flow laminar flames of the oleoresin-derived molecules blended with n-heptane. The main characteristics of the flames (i.e., temperature and height) were also determined. Significant increase in flame temperature and reduction in CO and UHC emissions with respect to n-heptane were observed with nopol, terpineol, and myrtenol, along an increase in NOx emissions, suggesting an improvement in combustion performance. In addition, differences in emission indices, evidenced for these molecules (even between α- and β-pinene), suggest the importance of the molecular structure in the combustion reaction.

Spring Camelina sativa – Perspective cultivation as biofuel feedstock in Slovakia

Camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz], alternative low/medium-input oilseed crop, has variety of uses with biofuel production being at the forefront as its exploitation is primarily determined by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from feedstock production. The primary aim of the paper was to examine the possibilities of sustainable conventional and temporary intensification of prospective camelina cultivation as a biofuel raw material. Because camelina is still not commercially grown in Slovakia, oil flax yields and environmental demands were used as benchmark. Within conventional intensification, greenhouse gas emissions from its intended cultivation were compared with real emissions from oilseed rape cultivation. Inputs (especially N-fertilizers) and oilseed yields were investigated as two factors which significantly affected the amount of emissions from cultivation. Almost all of assumed camelina yields and nutrient rates combinations achieved lower total emissions compared with oilseed rape. This was mainly due to lower values from N2O emissions category and emissions from fertilizers category which accounted for a major share of emissions from cultivation. It can be concluded, that camelina could be suitable raw material for biofuel production. The set-aside land (fields) in Slovakia, which accounted for more than 40,000 ha, creates a potential space for a temporal intensification of camelina cultivation.