Microorganisms key to ethanol production

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23 (UPI) — The secret to making ethanol production viable is invisible. Microorganisms such as yeasts and bacteria are being perfected as a way to ferment cellulosic material, like corn stalks or sawdust, into transportation-grade ethanol. The future, say scientists, is already here.

“There are no technical barriers to making ethanol from woody material today,” said Lonnie Ingram, a microbiologist and professor at the University of Florida.

Ingram said the goal of research like his is to make renewable energy from woody or cellulosic material such as sugarcane stalks, corn stalk and leaves, municipal grain waste, trimmings from trees moved for utility lines and debris from hurricane damage.

“These materials are typically buried in landfill. Why shouldn’t we make energy materials from that?” said Ingram. “Corn may not be the optimal crop and there’s certainly room for exploration.”

UPI