Scientist scopes ethanol potential in plants

Ames, Ia. – A laser beam bounces off a series of mirrors before diving into Emily Smith’s microscope, where it scatters as it hits the membrane walls of plant cells, producing a unique array of lightwaves.

The waves appear as light and dark crescent patterns on a computer monitor next to the microscope. From them Smith hopes to identify which species of plants contain the optimum raw material for ethanol production.

Ethanol manufacturers use corn now, but most experts see it as a transitional feed stock. They believe a plant with more fuel efficiency, possibly switchgrass or wood chips, eventually will replace corn as the chief ingredient in ethanol.

For now, breaking down the sugars in such plants remains too expensive compared with using grain. But refineries in Emmetsburg and elsewhere hope to change that in the next few years.

Smith, 31, is a research chemist and assistant professor at Iowa State University. This month, she begins a two-year study that could result in dramatic changes in Iowa agriculture.

Des Moines Register