NACI Biotechnology Lunch Seminar – Bio-fuels and Bio-Products from Sugarcane
NACI hosts a Biotechnology Lunch Seminar on the topic
Bio-fuels and Bio-Products from Sugarcane
Presenter: Professor Sagadevan, G. Mundree, Deputy Director, Centre for Tropical Crops and Bio-commodities, Queensland University of Technology’s (QUT), Australia
Date: 06 May 2011
Time: 12H30 – 14H00
Venue: Department of Science and Technology Auditorium (directions)
to RSVP contact Ms. Mavis Masia on (012) 818 8600/8606 or mavis.masia@naci.org.za
Centre for Tropical Crops and Bio-commodities (CTCB)
The Queensland University of Technology’s (QUT) Centre for Tropical Crops and Bio-commodities (CTCB) brings together a unique mix of international expertise in plant biotechnology, process engineering, industrial chemistry, and commercialization to create a continuum of research and development from laboratory through to products.
The CTCB has a significant program of work in producing ethanol from second generation cellulosic feedstock through biochemical processes. Within the Syngenta Centre for Sugarcane Bio-fuels Development, the CTCB is developing transgene expression, transformation and processing technologies to express cellulase enzymes at high levels in sugarcane. This project is also developing compatible processing technologies. The CTCB is focused on improvements in bio-ethanol pre-treatment technologies using ionic liquids, alkalis, solvents and dilute acids. Hydrolysis and fermentation strategies are being developed that lower the cost of bio-ethanol production. Co-product development (particularly around lignin products) is a key area of current work and this is being further supported by techno-economic modelling and sustainability assessment. Lignocellulosic materials including agricultural, municipal and forestry residues, and dedicated bio-energy crops offer significant potential as a feedstock for the production of fuels and chemicals. These products can be chemically or functionally equivalent to existing products that are originate from fossil-based feedstock. To unlock the potential of lignocellulosics materials, it is necessary to pre-treat or fractionate the biomass to make it amenable to downstream processing. The CTCB is also undertaking work in thermo-chemical processing of biomass into biofuels. This work includes biomass gasification and hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass into bio-crude oil including upgrading processes. Co-product development and techno-economic assessment are a key focus of this work
