Maze Gene Makes Switchgrass-Derived Biofuels Economically Competitive

Ingenious scientists now hope that introducing a maize gene into switchgrass will create an appropriate feedstock used to manufacture premium biofuel. While some researchers are keen on proving that cellulosic biomass-based biofuel can replace fossil fuel usage in a clean, effective manner, other experts say the process would imply tremendous costs.

This finding belongs to the researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), a DOE Bioenergy Research Center led by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), report the officials from Berkeley Lab.

The gene known as Corngrass1 (Cg1) stops switchgrass from entering its adult phase. The maze gene has a significant contribution since it facilitates the extraction of polysaccharides from the plant.

Therefore, it is easier to convert them into fermentable sugars and the entire process is considerably less expensive. The costs of these extraction operations represent the main factor that holds back the development of the biofuel industry.

Once approved and implemented, such a finding has the potential to change all the rules of the game, making fossil fuel abandon the competition once and for all.

“We show that Cg1 switchgrass biomass is easier for enzymes to break down and also releases more glucose during saccharification,” declares Blake Simmons, a chemical engineer from JBEI’s Deconstruction Division and also one of the leading authors of this study.

“Cg1 switchgrass contains decreased amounts of lignin and increased levels of glucose and other sugars compared with wild switchgrass, which enhances the plant’s potential as a feedstock for advanced biofuels,” added Simmons.

According to researchers, the gene has almost miraculous powers, being able to support the creation of an advanced eco-friendly fuel that might replace the gasoline, diesel and jet fuels on a large commercial scale.

Also, we wouldn't have to worry about this source's extinction, since Lignocellulosic biomass is a common resource with unlimited potential in most parts of the globe. Experts say switchgrass is a valid feedstock for premium biofuels, due to its high tolerance to drought and salt.

Needless to say its exploitation does not put in danger the wellbeing of the entire food chain and relies on a small amount of fertilizers.