Pricey Chemicals Gleaned From Biodiesel Waste
Wednesday, July 2, 2008 - 09:28
in Physics & Chemistry
Chemical engineers have unveiled a set of techniques for cleanly converting problematic biofuels waste into profitable chemicals. New research in the journal Metabolic Engineering describes a new fermentation process that allows E. coli and other enteric bacteria to convert glycerin -- the major waste byproduct of biodiesel production -- into formate, succinate and other valuable organic acids. The researchers say the technology could yield a new platform for "green" chemical production.