Abstract: This document describes biochemical pathways for producing butadiene by forming two vinyl groups in a butadiene synthesis substrate. These pathways described herein rely on enzymes such as mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase, isoprene synthase, and dehydratases for the final enzymatic step.

Abstract: A method for producing isoprene comprising an aqueous medium including genetically modified host cells capable of producing isoprene, where the resulting isoprene composition is processed through at least one separation and/or purification process to provide an isoprene enriched composition and a system for doing the same.

Abstract: Systems and methods for converting algae to liquid methane are disclosed. The system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes an algae cultivator, an anaerobic digester operatively coupled to the algae cultivator to receive algae and produce biogas, and a biogas converter coupled to the anaerobic digester to receive the biogas and produce liquefied methane and thermal energy, at least a portion of the thermal energy resulting from a methane liquefaction process. The system can further include a thermal path between the biogas converter and at least one of the algae cultivator and the anaerobic digester. The system can still further include a controller coupled to the biogas converter and at least one of the algae cultivator and the anaerobic digester. The controller can be programmed with instructions that, when executed (e.g., based on measured variables of the system), direct the portion of thermal energy between the biogas converter and the algae cultivator and/or anaerobic digester.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing methane gas, synthetic hydrocarbon gas, and fertilizer is provided. The apparatus includes a mix tank for mixing cellulosic material with a solvent into a slurry and a generator having an exhaust. The apparatus further includes a stir tank reactor for converting the slurry to a solution containing lignin-like carbon and liquid, and a separator for separating the lignin-like carbon and liquid. An anaerobic digester decomposes the received liquid received from the stir tank into methane and liquid components. A carbon dioxide scrubber scrubs the methane component of carbon dioxide. The method includes mixing cellulosic material with a solvent into a slurry, and converting the slurry to a solution containing lignin-like carbon and liquid. It also includes separating the lignin-like carbon and liquid and decomposing the liquid into methane and liquid components, and scrubbing the methane component of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having beta-glucosidase activity, beta-xylosidase activity, or beta-glucosidase and beta-xylosidase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: An anaerobic reactor comprising two or more discrete reaction chambers arranged one above the other is disclosed. The reactor may be in the form of a tank separated into discrete chambers by means of solid members, or the reactor may be in the form of separate and stackable chambers. Additionally, the reactor may be a packed bed reactor, a fluidised bed reactor, or a hybrid reactor comprising at least one packed bed reaction chamber and at least one fluidised bed reaction chamber. Use of an anaerobic reactor according to the invention enables an increase in the yield of biogas that can be produced per unit area of land occupied by an anaerobic reactor. A method of producing biogas is also disclosed, the method comprising providing an anaerobic reactor according to the invention, providing input biomass, carrying out anaerobic digestion of the biomass in the reactor, and collecting the biogas produced.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing derivatives from cultured cells. In addition, the present invention provides methods for conversion of prenyl deerivatives, obtained from biological or petrochemical sources, to isoprene by employing chemical or biological catalysts. The present invention also provides compositions that include the cultured cells or isoprene or prenyl derivatives produced there from.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for producing isoprene by culturing recombinant cells (e.g., cells engineered to produce isoprene) under reduced oxygen inlet levels.

Abstract: This invention relates to recombinant microorganisms capable of producing isoprene and isoprene production with the use of such recombinant microorganism with good efficiency. In this invention, functional activity of the ispA gene is altered to reduce the production of isoprenoid molecules in recombinant cells engineered to produce isoprene or in cells otherwise susceptible to isoprenoid accumulation during fermentation. This decreased ispA gene functional activity enables enhanced synthesis of isoprene in a host microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for producing industrial products such as hydrocarbon products from non-polar lipids in a vegetative plant part. Preferred industrial products include alkyl esters which may be blended with petroleum based fuels.

Abstract: Provided herein compositions and methods for producing isoprenoids, including squalene. In certain aspects and embodiments provided are genetically converted yeast and uses therefore. In some aspects and embodiments, the genetically converted yeast produce isoprenoids, preferably squalene. Also are provided methods of producing squalene using a genetically converted yeast or a non-genetically converted yeast. The invention also provides squalene produced by genetically converted yeast or non-genetically converted yeast.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the manufacture of biogas and a solids fraction from an organic waste feedstock is provided. The process involves thermal hydrolysis of the organic waste feedstock at a temperature from about 100 to about 220° C., a pressure from about 5 to about 20 bars, for a period of time from about 15 minutes to 4 hours, to produce a hydrolysate. The hydrolysate undergoes anaerobic digestion at a temperature from about 25 to 60° C., for a period of time from about 1 to 35 days to produce a biogas stream, characterized as having a methane content from between 55 to 75% by volume and a digestate. The digestate is separated into a solids fraction and a liquid fraction, and a portion of the solids fraction is recycled for further anaerobic digestion.

Abstract: A process for converting a substrate such as carbon monoxide to useful chemicals has been developed. The process involves providing a substrate comprising CO to a bioreactor which contains a culture of one or more micro-organisms and anaerobically fermenting the substrate to produce ethanol. The ethanol is next converted to one or more chemical products via the compound ethylene. The source of the CO can be an industrial process such as the ferrous metal products manufacturing. The microorganism can be Clostridium autoethanogenum, Clostridium ljundahlii or Clostridium ragsdalei.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for simultaneous fermentation of pentose and hexose. The present invention modifies the metabolic pathways of a target microorganism in order to enable the target microorganism to rapidly metabolize pentose and hexose at the same time. This present invention simplified the fermentation process, decreased the cost, and increased the efficiency of the fermentation process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising: a polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity and a heterocyclic compound. The present invention also relates to methods of using the compositions.

Abstract: A method, device and system for producing preselected products, (either finished products or preselected intermediary products) from biobased precursors. The principal features of the present invention include a method wherein a binary culture is incubated with a biobased precursor in a closed system to transform at least a portion of the biobased precursor to a preselected product. This improvement leads to significant savings in energy consumption and allows for the design of photobioreactors of any desired shape. The present invention also allows for the use of a variety of types of waste materials to be used as the organic starting material.

Abstract: An anaerobic digester to produce methane gas from animal manure. The anaerobic digester preferably includes a reactor vessel with a solar concentrator and an RF emitter. The reactor vessel may be loaded from the top with animal manure, sealed and evacuated during which the waste may be subject to focused light energy and/or subject to RF Energy from the RF emitter in order to facilitate anaerobic digestion, and then cleaned out with an auger turning out the resultant waste solids. An enzyme catalyst may also be employed to further facilitate anaerobic digestion. Methane gas produced as a result of anaerobic digestion is pumped from the reactor vessel and collected for further processing and/or burned for energy and/or heat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for the anaerobic digestion of organic material to biogas by means of microorganisms. The device and method intensify the anaerobic digestion process by using three separate reactors wherein a hydrolysis process, a first digestion process of a separated solid fraction, and a second digestion process of a separated liquid fraction take place respectively. Membranes and/or mechanical separation means are used to separate the fractions. This keeps the microorganisms, such as microbes, in the reactors. The obtained intensification of the anaerobic digestion process enables to operate with smaller tanks, which leads to lower building costs. The process also makes it possible to precipitate heavy metals for extraction.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing organic waste material are provided. These methods and systems include integrating an anaerobic bio-digester and nutrient recovery module with a bio-production facility, which can locally provide feedstock for the bio-production facility, and can locally provide organic material for the anaerobic bio-digester. Methods and systems for integrating an anaerobic bio-digester with a gas cleaner are also provided, which can recover nutrients while cleaning the biogas produced by the anaerobic bio-digester.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-petroleum high-octane fuel which may be derived from biomass sources, and a method of producing same. The method of production involves reducing the biomass feedstocks to sugars, fermenting the sugars using microorganisms or mutagens thereof to produce ethanol or acetic acid, converting the acetic acid or ethanol to acetone, and converting the acetone to mesitylene and isopentane, the major components of the engine fuel. Trimerization of acetone can be carried out in the presence of a catalyst containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of niobium, iron and manganese. The ethanol can be converted to mesitylene in a dehydration reaction in the presence of a catalyst of zinc oxide/calcium oxide, and unreacted ethanol and water separated from mesitylene by distillation.

Abstract: Provided herein are improved compositions and methods for the increased production of isoprene. Also provided herein are improved compositions and methods for the increased production of heterologous polypeptides capable of biological activity.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods of identifying stimulants for the biogenic production of methane in hydrocarbon-bearing formations. Methods involve the use of microbial nucleic acid sequence information for the determination of gene products that are enzymes in a variety of pathways involved in the conversion of hydrocarbons to methane. Enzymes and stimulants identified by invention methods can be used in processes for enhancing biogenic methane production, for example, by addition to coal seams and coalbed methane wells.

Abstract: A human waste treatment system is disclosed that includes at least one waste receptacle such as an airline-style toilet, an anaerobic digester such as an induced bed reactor, and a gas conditioner. Human waste may be moved by a macerator pump. Inside the digester, bacteria digests organic solids to form biogas. The anaerobic digester may be operated at thermophilic temperatures to kill pathogenic bacteria in the waste and produce treated water. The gas conditioner purifies the biogas which may be used to power an electric generator. Treated water may be used to flush the system. The system may be mounted on a semi-truck trailer and transported. The system may be self-contained.

Abstract: This invention relates to a recombinant microorganism capable of producing isoprene and isoprene production with the use of such recombinant microorganism with good efficiency. In this invention, the acetoacetyl-CoA synthase gene encoding an enzyme capable of synthesizing acetoacetyl-CoA from malonyl-CoA and acetyl-CoA and one or more genes involved in isoprene biosynthesis that enables synthesis of isoprene from acetoacetyl-CoA are introduced into a host microorganism.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms containing an alkene pathway having at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an alkene pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to convert an alcohol to an alkene. The invention additionally provides methods of using such microbial organisms to produce an alkene, by culturing a non-naturally occurring microbial organism containing an alkene pathway as described herein under conditions and for a sufficient period of time to produce an alkene.

Abstract: Increasing competition for fossil fuels, and the need to avoid release carbon dioxide from combustion of these fuels requires development of new and sustainable approaches for energy production and carbon capture. Biological processes for producing methane gas and capturing carbon from carbon dioxide are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include providing an electromethanogenic reactor having an anode, a cathode and a plurality of methanogenic microorganisms disposed on the cathode. Electrons and carbon dioxide are provided to the plurality of methanogenic microorganisms disposed on the cathode. The methanogenic microorganisms reduce the carbon dioxide to produce methane gas, even in the absence of hydrogen and/or organic carbon sources.

Abstract: A method for utilizing cultivated plant biomass components, namely cellulose, hemicellose, and lignin, and converting them to value-added biobased chemical products is described herein. The present method provides treatments to obtain a plurality of component streams from cultivated plant biomass for producing derivative products while minimizing waste products.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to natural gas and methylotrophic energy generation, bio-generated fuels and microbiology. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides nutrient amendments and microbial compositions, e.g., consortia, that are both specifically optimized to stimulate methanogenesis, or for “methylotrophic” or other conversions. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides methods to develop nutrient amendments and microbial compositions that are both specifically optimized to stimulate methanogenesis in a given reservoir. The invention also provides methods for the evaluation of potentially damaging biomass formation and scale precipitation resulting from the addition of nutrient amendments. In other embodiments, the invention provides methods for simulating biogas in sub-surface conditions using a computational model.

Abstract: A sustainable method and system for producing bio-fuels from citrus peels and the recovery of limonene and pectin prior to fermentation of the peel solids. In one embodiment a sustainable method and system for the concurrent recovery of limonene and pectin from citrus peels is disclosed. The peels are optionally zested, mixed with water and an acid, and then exploded in a jet cooker or a pressurized extruder. The exploded peels are transferred to a flash vessel where the remaining limonene and water vapor are separated into water and limonene. The pectin fraction is removed from the flash tank and extracted by centrifuge, precipitation and/or filtration. The remaining peel solids are fermented in an anaerobic digester which produces methane, ethanol, acids, CO2 or other end products which can be used as fuel for power generation equipment sufficient to supply the processing system for sustainable operations as described herein.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms containing 2,4-pentadienoate, butadiene, propylene, 1,3-butanediol, crotyl alcohol or 3-buten-1-ol pathways comprising at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a butadiene pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce 2,4-pentadienoate, butadiene, propylene, 1,3-butanediol, crotyl alcohol or 3-buten-1-ol. The invention additionally provides methods of using such microbial organisms to produce 2,4-pentadienoate, butadiene, propylene, 1,3-butanediol, crotyl alcohol or 3-buten-1-ol, by culturing a non-naturally occurring microbial organism containing 2,4-pentadienoate, butadiene, propylene, 1,3-butanediol, crotyl alcohol or 3-buten-1-ol pathways as described herein under conditions and for a sufficient period of time to produce 2,4-pentadienoate, butadiene, propylene, 1,3-butanediol, crotyl alcohol or 3-buten-1-ol.

Abstract: The process according to the invention for the microbial production of a specific product and methane comprises the following steps: a) the production in a bioreactor (2, 10) of a specific product from a specific substrate using a specific organism, the producer, wherein during the production of this product metabolites such as e.g. low-molecular alcohols, aldehydes and acids, hydrogen and CO2, which may inhibit the production of the product, are obtained; and b) the production of methane by means of a methanogen, wherein in the production of the methane at least one metabolite is decomposed and by this means removed from the bioreactor (2, 10) and its energy is made usable.

Abstract: The invention provides fermentative methods for producing n-propanol. The methods of the invention involve providing a suitable carbon source, a microorganism expressing the dicarboxylic acid pathway, reducing equivalents, and at least one gene coding for an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of propionate/propionyl-CoA into n-propanol. The methods further involve contacting the carbon source and reducing equivalents with the microorganism under conditions favorable for the production of n-propanol. Also provided are methods for producing propylene and polypropylene from the n-propanol and microorganisms suitable for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A primary object of the present invention is to provide a polylactic acid decomposition method that efficiently decomposes polylactic acid so that the polylactic acid can readily undergo degradation by a biological treatment such as methane fermentation. Specifically, the present invention provides a polylactic acid decomposition method involving a step of impregnating a polylactic acid-containing organic material with a treatment solution containing an organic acid salt and/or inorganic acid salt of an amine compound.

Abstract: It is an object of the disclosure of the present description to provide an eukaryotic cell having xylose utilization ability. The disclosure of the present description provides a novel eukaryotic cell having xylose utilization ability by transforming a yeast or other eukaryotic cell using DNA that codes a xylose isomerase from a termite protist.

Abstract: The invention features methods for producing isoprene from cultured cells wherein the cells in the stationary phase. The invention also provides compositions that include these cultured cells and/or increased amount of isoprene. The invention also provides for systems that include a non-flammable concentration of isoprene in the gas phase. Additionally, the invention provides isoprene compositions, such as compositions with increased amount of isoprene or increased purity.

Abstract: A method of treatment of biomass is described, characterized in that a microorganism of the species Clostridium sporosphaeroides is added to the biomass.

Abstract: It has been found that certain cells in culture can convert more than about 0.002 percent of the carbon available in the cell culture medium into isoprene. These cells have a heterologous nucleic acid that (i) encodes an isoprene synthase polypeptide and (ii) is operably linked to a promoter. The isoprene produced in such a cultured medium can then be recovered and polymerized into synthetic rubbers and other useful polymeric materials. The synthetic isoprene containing polymers of this invention offer the benefit of being verifiable as to being derived from non-petrochemical based resources. They can also be analytically distinguished from rubbers that come from natural sources. The present invention more specifically discloses a polyisoprene polymer which is comprised of repeat units that are derived from isoprene monomer, wherein the polyisoprene polymer has ?13C value of greater than ?22‰.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods for the production of mevalonate, isoprene, isoprenoid precursor molecules, and/or isoprenoids in cells via the heterologous expression of phosphoketolase enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method comprising carrying out an anaerobic digestion that produces biomethane and biogenic carbon dioxide and supplying the biogenic carbon dioxide for use in one or more enhanced oil or gas recovery operations. The biogenic carbon dioxide supplied to the one or more enhanced oil or gas recovery operations displaces the use of geologic carbon dioxide. Further provided is a method to reduce the life cycle GHG emissions associated with the production of a liquid fuel or fuel intermediate in a fuel production facility by providing such biomethane for use in the fuel production facility or associated utilities to supply energy. The present invention also relates to a method for receiving carbon dioxide at an enhanced oil or gas recovery site that has the GHG emission attributes of the biogenic carbon dioxide and using the received carbon dioxide to displace geologic carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to yeast species which are normally capable of producing sophorolipids but which are modified in such way that they are incapable producing the latter compounds. These sophorolipid-negative strains surprisingly display equal growth characteristics and biomass formation as their wild type counterparts and are hence useful for the production of compounds such as recombinant proteins, glycolipids, polyhydroxyalkanoates and carotenoides. In addition, the present invention discloses two glucosyltransferase genes with key-functions in sophorolipid production.

Abstract: The present invention provides fungal proteases and improved fungal strains that are deficient in protease production.

Abstract: This invention is metabolically engineer bacterial strains that provide increased intracellular NADPH availability for the purpose of increasing the yield and productivity of NADPH-dependent compounds. In the invention, native NAD-dependent GAPDH is replaced with NADP-dependent GAPDH plus overexpressed NADK. Uses for the bacteria are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for obtaining biogas in two or more stages in a hydrolysis and a methane stage, wherein the hydrolysis of solid biogenic materials is performed in at least two percolators operated at offset times. Liquid hydrolyzate and CO2 rich hydrolysis gas, and then hydrolysis gas comprising methane thereby arises in the percolator. The liquid hydrolyzate is removed from the percolators, wherein part of the hydrolyzate is fed into the methane stage and the other part of the hydrolysis stage. In the methane stage, the hydrolyzate is converted to biogas and fermenting fluid. In the method according to the invention, the percolators are operated in a gas tight manner and hydrolysis gas is drawn off from the percolators, wherein the hydrolysis gas comprising methane is fed to an energy utilization and CO2 rich hydrolysis gas is used for purging a further percolator operated at an offset time.

Abstract: The invention features methods for producing isoprene from cultured cells. The invention also provides compositions that include these cultured cells.

Abstract: The invention described herein presents compositions and methods for a multistep biological and chemical process for the capture and conversion of carbon dioxide and/or other forms of inorganic carbon into organic chemicals including biofuels or other useful industrial, chemical, pharmaceutical, or biomass products. One or more process steps utilizes chemoautotrophic microorganisms to fix inorganic carbon into organic compounds through chemosynthesis. An additional feature described are process steps whereby electron donors used for the chemosynthetic fixation of carbon are generated by chemical or electrochemical means, or are produced from inorganic or waste sources. An additional feature described are process steps for the recovery of useful chemicals produced by the carbon dioxide capture and conversion process, both from chemosynthetic reaction steps, as well as from non-biological reaction steps.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a self sustaining and combined dual biomethanation process to produce biogas and manure. The said biomethanation process comprises two or more different biogas reactors using mixed and/or multiple solid biomass as feed. The leachates generated from the solid digester are utilitzed by recirculating the leachates produced, thereby ensuring optimum biogas generation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell suitable for production of one or more fermentation product from a sugar composition comprising glucose, galactose, arabinose and xylose, wherein the cell comprises two to fifteen copies of one or more xylose isomerase gene or two to fifteen copies of one or more xylose reductase and xylitol dehydrogenase, and two to ten copies of araA, araB and araD, genes, wherein these genes are integrated into the cell genome.

Abstract: Process for the production of a biogas containing methane from an organic matter amenable to anaerobic digestion comprising feeding an anaerobic digester with the organic matter, said anaerobic digester containing a digestion medium comprising microorganisms capable of digesting said organic matter, wherein the total inorganic carbon concentration of the digestion medium is maintained above 9000 mg of equivalent CaCO3/l and the buffering capacity is maintained above 200 mmol/l by the addition of a buffering reagent comprising sodium bicarbonate to the digestion medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of an aqueous glucose solution from maize or maize kernels. The invention also relates to a glucose solution obtainable by this process, and to its use for the production of organic compounds. The process according to the invention comprises: a) fractionating dry milling of maize kernels, where the maize kernels are separated into a maize-starch-comprising endosperm fraction and a high-oil germ fraction and, if appropriate, a bran fraction; b) enzymatic liquefaction and saccharification of the maize starch in an aqueous suspension of the endosperm fraction, which gives an aqueous glucose solution comprising maize gluten; and c) depletion of the maize gluten and, if appropriate, any bran present from the aqueous glucose solution.

Abstract: Methods of stimulating microbial consortia, such as microbial consortia in a geological formation, such as comprising methanogens and other bacteria, for producing methane and other fuels or fuel precursors from coal or other carbonaceous materials, are disclosed along with methods for increasing bioconversion of carbonaceous materials, such as coal, into methane and other useful hydrocarbon products, wherein the consortia respond to electrical stimulation, either physical or chemical.