Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for generating alkenes biologically. It relates more particularly to a method for producing terminal alkenes by enzymatic decarboxylation of 3-hydroxyalkanoate molecules. The invention also relates to the enzymatic systems and the microbial strains used, and also to the products obtained.

Abstract: The present application relates to a modified isoprene synthase that has an isoprene synthetic activity and has at least one mutation of an amino acid residue in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4, an amino acid sequence having one or several amino acid substitutions, deletions, insertions or additions in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4, or an amino acid sequence having 90% or more identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4. The modified isoprene synthase is useful for preparing isoprene monomers in improved yields.

Abstract: Methods are provided for microbial electrosynthesis of H2 and organic compounds such as methane and acetate. Method of producing mature electrosynthetic microbial populations by continuous culture is also provided. Microbial populations produced in accordance with the embodiments as shown to efficiently synthesize H2, methane and acetate in the presence of CO2 and a voltage potential. The production of biodegradable and renewable plastics from electricity and carbon dioxide is also disclosed.

Abstract: Described is a method for the production of 3-buten-2-one comprising the enzymatic conversion of 4-hydroxy-2-butanone into 3-buten-2-one by making use of an enzyme catalyzing 4-hydroxy-2-butanone dehydration, wherein said enzyme catalyzing 4-hydroxy-2-butanone dehydration is (a) a 3-hydroxypropiony-CoA dehydratase (EC 4.2.1.116), (b) a 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydratase (EC 4.2.1.55), (c) an enoyl-CoA hydratase (EC 4.2.1.17), (d) a 3-hydroxyoctanoyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] dehydratase (EC 4.2.1.59), (e) a crotonyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] hydratase (EC 4.2.1.58), (f) a 3-hydroxydecanoyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] dehydratase (EC 4.2.1.60), (g) a 3-hydroxypalmitoyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] dehydratase (EC 4.2.1.61), (h) a long-chain-enoyl-CoA hydratase (EC 4.2.1.74), or (i) a 3-methylglutaconyl-CoA hydratase (EC 4.2.1.18). The produced 3-buten-2-one can be further converted into 3-buten-2-ol and finally into 1,3-butadiene.

Abstract: The invention relates to bio-electrochemical systems for the generation of methane from organic material and for reducing chemical oxygen demand and nitrogenous waste through denitrification. The invention further relates to an electrode for use in, and a system for, the adaptive control of bio-electrochemical systems as well as a fuel cell.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms having a butadiene pathway. The invention additionally provides methods of using such organisms to produce butadiene.

Abstract: A system and method of recycling organic waste into biogas, implementing an anaerobic digestion processes, is disclosed. The system includes structural scaffolding and a pliable collapsible anaerobic digester. The aerobic digester includes at least one suspension tab, rendering the anaerobic digester suspendable from the structural scaffolding. A respective kit-of-parts is disclosed for assembling the aforementioned system.

Abstract: Described is a method for generating conjugated dienes through a biological process. More specifically, the application describes a method for producing conjugated dienes (for example butadiene, isoprene or dimethylbutadiene) from light alkenols via enzymatic dehydration, in particular by making use of an alkenol dehydratase.

Abstract: Methods of isoprenoid production are provided by the present invention. In particular, transgenic Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 cyanobacteria and methods for producing isoprene and pinene using a host transgenic Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 cyanobacterium are provided.

Abstract: Contiguous flow anaerobic digester for mechanization of organic matter and production of fertilizer powering the conditions and performance of the anaerobic digestion process, through homogenization of the sludge and process temperature, wherein the digester is tubular shaped and comprises a biogas exhaust valve at the top of the digester. One end of the digester has a sludge outlet connection, a water- and gas-tight zipper that is resistant to the corrosive elements of digestion, and an outlet. The opposite end of the digester has a mud inlet, and a water- and gas-tight zipper that is resistant to the corrosive elements of digestion, wherein said digester further comprises at its base a gas irrigation system for biogas recirculation composed of a polymeric material resilient to the corrosive elements of anaerobic digestion.

Abstract: Improved methods for anaerobic digestion of organic matter to produce biogas. Among the improvements given are including ferric iron in a hydrolysis reactor to increase the rate and efficiency of anaerobic hydrolysis to provide substrates for methanogenesis. A solids separation step is added after hydrolysis and before methanogenesis to improve the efficiency of the methanogenesis step. Other improvements involve using separate tanks for the hydrolysis and methanogenesis stages and using two (or more) methanogenesis tanks in sequence, and switching the order of the two (or more) methanogenesis tanks periodically.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for the production of triterpene including methylated triterpenes. The method and system include isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding triterpene methyltransferases such as triterpene methyltransferases 1, 2, 3. Advantageously, the method and system includes transgenic plant cells via an expression vector for triterpene methyltransferase and optionally various triterpene synthase and prenyltransferase all with tags directing these enzymes to the chloroplast of the transgenic plant cells for using the chloroplast methyl erythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway in the triterpene biogenesis.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated Methanothermobacter microorganism that is (a) a microorganism of Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus strain UC 120910, deposited on Dec. 21, 2010, with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) under ATCC® Patent Deposit Designation No. PTA-11561, (b) a variant thereof, or (c) a progeny thereof, as further described herein.

Abstract: Methods of isoprenoid production are provided by the present invention. In particular, transgenic Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 cyanobacteria and methods for producing isoprene and pinene using a host transgenic Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 cyanobacterium are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms having a butadiene pathway. The invention additionally provides methods of using such organisms to produce butadiene.

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

Abstract: A method for operating a fermentation plant with at least one digester (1) that is supplied with a substrate (1a). The substrate (1a) is percolated using a percolate (2a) from a percolate container (2) and biogas that is generated via the percolation process in the digester (1) or/and in the percolate container (2) is drawn off. The drawn off biogas is treated in a biogas treatment device (3) and the CO2-containing exhaust gas that is generated during the treatment is introduced into the digester (1) using a purge line (4), for forcing out and drawing off the biogas that was generated in the digester (1). Alternatively CO2-containing biogas that was generated in an additional digester (1) in a different fermentation process can be introduced into the digester (1) using a purge line (4) for forcing out and drawing off the biogas that was generated in the digester (1).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel polypeptides with 3-buten-2-ol dehydratase activity, polypeptides with catalytic activity in the conversion of 3-methyl-3-buten-2-ol to isoprene, and crystal structure data for one of such polypeptides. Methods of making and using the polypeptides and their related crystal structure data are also provided.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a process is described for a water treatment process in which water produced from a fuel production process is treated with recycled biochar. In accordance with one aspect, process water is passed through activated carbon generated by the biomass pyrolysis and gasification. In accordance with another aspect, the process water is treated to expel gaseous compounds within the process water. In this manner both inorganics, light organics and heavy organics can be removed from the process water. No fermentation is involved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for generating alkenes through a biological process. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for producing alkenes (for example propylene, ethylene, 1-butylene, isobutylene or isoamylene) from molecules of the 3-hydroxyalkanoate type.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms having a butadiene or crotyl alcohol pathway. The invention additionally provides methods of using such organisms to produce butadiene or crotyl alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for stimulating or enhancing the conversion of coal to methane. The methods of the current invention subject coal to an oxidation step, for example ozonolysis, thereby converting at least a portion of the coal to partially-oxidized and water-soluble forms of organic matter. Subsequent contact of the oxidized coal components with a suitable inoculum containing a methanogenic microbial community produces methane.

Abstract: The invention features methods for producing isoprene from cultured cells. The invention also provides compositions that include these cultured cells. The invention provides isoprene compositions, such as compositions with increased amount of isoprene or increased purity. Additionally, the invention provides methods of producing isoprene by culturing cells under conditions suitable for isoprene production while maintaining cell viability and/or metabolic activity.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions relating to the synthesis of isoprenoid diphosphates using a mutated isopentenyl phosphate kinase.

Abstract: A biogas system operates according to the principle of dry fermentation with multiple biogas fermenters that are run in batch mode. One of the biogas fermenters has just been loaded with fresh biomass and the other biogas fermenters are in the state of producing biogas with a higher concentration of methane. The biogas fermenter just loaded with fresh biomass is closed and connected to the other biogas fermenters that are already producing biogas. In addition, there is a return of the biogas mixture from the freshly loaded biogas fermenter to at least one of the other biogas fermenters producing biogas. After expiration of a defined time duration, the return of the biogas mixture from the freshly loaded biogas fermenter is stopped. The defined time duration is determined based on the concentration of methane in the mixture of biogas generated in all of the biogas fermenters.

Abstract: A process for mechanical destructuring of starch-based biomass was developed that makes use of a short application of high compression, impact, and shearing forces. The biomass may be destructured using a specific energy input that is less than 40% of the total combustible energy of the biomass. The destructured starch-based biomass, with or without saccharification and/or in-feed glycosyl hydrolase enzymes, may be used in feed applications. The destructured starch-based may saccharified to produce syrups and fermentable sugars, and for production of products including ethanol using a biocatalyst.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for processing a biomass (for example straw) containing lignocellulose such that cellulose and hemicellulose are made accessible for further processing, typically by decomposition, without needing energy-consuming dissolution of the biomass in water. The method includes repeated compressions of the biomass in a reciprocating piston press, where loose biomass is continuously fed into a piston chamber in front of a piston which moves the loose biomass into a tubular reaction chamber in which the biomass is compressed for producing a vapour explosion and autohydrolysis under simultaneous displacement of compressed biomass through the reaction chamber. After compression, to the biomass can be added fluid livestock manure, fluid waste water sludge etc. in a biogas plant for subsequent biogas processing.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides methods and compositions for increasing terpenoid production, such as sesquiterpenoids, such as farnesene, in plant cells.

Abstract: A process is provided for converting waste fibers to solid fuel. The process includes providing a supply of animal waste including the waste fibers in a predetermined quantity, subjecting the supply of animal waste to anaerobic digestion, producing a waste byproduct, dewatering the waste byproduct, and compressing the dewatered waste byproduct to form briquettes.

Abstract: Described is a method for generating conjugated dienes through a biological process. More specifically, the application describes a method for producing conjugated dienes (for example butadiene, isoprene or dimethylbutadiene) from light alkenols via enzymatic dehydration, in particular by making use of an alkenol dehydratase.

Abstract: A method for operating a fermentation plant with at least one digester that is supplied with a substrate. The substrate is percolated using a percolate from a percolate container and biogas that is generated via the percolation process in the digester or/and in the percolate container is drawn off. The drawn off biogas is treated in a biogas treatment device and the CO2-containing exhaust gas that is generated during the treatment is introduced into the digester using a purge line, for forcing out and drawing off the biogas that was generated in the digester. Alternatively CO2-containing biogas that was generated in an additional digester in a different fermentation process can be introduced into the digester for forcing out and drawing off the biogas that was generated in the digester. The CO2-containing purge gas is forced to pass through the substrate dislodging any trapped biogas.

Abstract: Enhanced yields of photosynthetically fixed carbon produced by hypersaline photosynthetic algae are provided by co-culturing with a halophilic archaea. Further, methods are provided to control harvesting of desired metabolic products from hypersaline photosynthetic algae by controlling caspase activity.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to the production of a fatty alcohol composition from recombinant microbial cells. The fatty alcohols are produced by expressing a gene encoding a heterologous fatty alcohol forming acyl-CoA reductase (“FAR”); a gene encoding a heterologous thioesterase (“TE”) gene and a gene encoding an acyl-CoA synthetase (“ACS”).

Abstract: The present disclosure identifies methods and compositions for modifying photoautotrophic organisms as hosts, such that the organisms efficiently convert inorganic carbon and light into n-alkanes, and in particular the use of such organisms for the commercial production of n-alkanes and related molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of degrading or converting biomass material enriched with hemicellulosic material into fermentable sugars.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for using the anaerobic digestion (AD) process, especially thermophilic anaerobic digestion (TAD), to destroy biohazard materials including antibiotics.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms having a propylene pathway. The invention additionally provides methods of using such organisms to produce propylene.

Abstract: Described is a method for generating isoprenol through a biological process. More specifically, described is a method for producing isoprenol from mevalonate.

Abstract: Food waste streams may be managed efficiently with a waste-processing facility, which in some embodiments may be co-locating a food distribution facility. The waste processing facility includes a pulper fluidly connected to an input configured to receive a heterogeneous waste stream including biodegradable and non-biodegradable components, the pulper configured to mechanically de-fiber the biodegradable component and form a de-fibered biodegradable material, and an anaerobic membrane bioreactor fluidly connected downstream of the pulper and configured to produce biogas and anaerobic effluent from the de-fibered biodegradable material.

Abstract: A multi-stage anaerobic digester is designed to treat a high solids, stackable feedstock. The system may also receive a pumpable feedstock such as a slurry or sludge. In a first stage, the digestate circulates in one direction around a raceway such that the digestate may pass a feed inlet multiple times before leaving the first tank. An optional side stream loop withdraws fibrous material from near the top of the reaceway and return digestate with chopped fibers, preferably lower and further along the raceway. An outlet from the raceway located near, but upstream of the feed inlet discharges partially digested substrate to a second stage, which is operated as a stirred tank reactor. The two stages may be provided in a single tank with an internal wall separating a ring shaped outer portion from a cylindrical inner portion. The digester may be operated in a thermophilic temperature range.

Abstract: An organic waste processing system and method for producing an organic waste slurry for the production of bio-gas, transportation fuels or chemical products, wherein the system and method produces an organic waste slurry having substantially ten to fifteen percent in total solids and high levels of COD.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing secretion of oils from oil producing cells are described herein. In particular, secretion of oils is enhanced by treating the cells with herbicides. The oils generated according to the invention may be useful, for example, in the production of biofuels.

Abstract: A solid state fermentation process for producing methane, and a bioreactor and solid support for use in the process are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of nucleic acid molecules coding for a bacterial xylose isomerase (XI), preferably coming from Clostridium phytofermentans, for reaction/metabolization, particularly fermentation, of recombinant microorganisms of biomaterial containing xylose, and particularly for the production of bioalcohols, particularly bioethanol, by means of xylose fermenting yeasts. The present invention further relates to cells, particularly eukaryotic cells, which are transformed utilizing a nucleic acid expression construct which codes for a xylose isomerase, wherein the expression of the nucleic acid expression construct imparts to the cells the capability to directly isomerize xylose into xylulose. Said cells are preferably utilized for reaction/metabolization, particularly fermentation, of biomaterial containing xylose, and particularly for the production of bioalcohols, particularly bioethanol.

Abstract: Provided is a biogas generation system comprising a fermenter for generating a biogas containing carbon dioxide and methane by decomposing an organic waste by the action of methane bacteria; a biogas refinery for condensing the methane contained in the biogas by dissolving the carbon dioxide contained in the generated biogas in a liquid; and a photoelectrochemical device for generating methane, carbon monoixide, or formic acid from the carbon dioxide dissolved in the liquid. The photoelectrochemical device comprises a cathode chamber for storing a first electrolyte solution containing the carbon dioxide dissolved in the liquid; an anode chamber for storing a second electrolyte solution; a solid electrolyte membrane; a cathode electrode provided in the cathode chamber; an anode electrode provided in the anode chamber; and an external power supply for applying a negative voltage and a positive voltage to the cathode electrode and the anode electrode, respectively.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for the heterologous production of acetyl-CoA-derived isoprenoids in a host cell. In some embodiments, the host cell is genetically modified to comprise a heterologous nucleotide sequence encoding an acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, acetylating (ADA, E.C. 1.2.1.10) and an MEV pathway comprising an NADH-using HMG-CoA reductase. In some embodiments, the host cell is genetically modified to comprise a heterologous nucleotide sequence encoding an ADA and an MEV pathway comprising an acetoacetyl-CoA synthase. In some embodiments, the genetically modified host cell further comprises one or more heterologous nucleotide sequences encoding a phosphoketolase and a phosphotransacetylase. In some embodiments, the genetically modified host cell further comprises a functional disruption of the native PDH-bypass. The compositions and methods described herein provide an energy-efficient yet redox balanced route for the heterologous production of acetyl-CoA-derived isoprenoids.

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 for producing a carotenoid, which comprises culturing a carotenoid-producing bacterium in an amino acid-supplemented medium, and collecting the carotenoid from the resulting cultured product, wherein the amino acid is at least one selected, from the group consisting of glutamic acid, aspartic acid, glutamine, asparagine, alanine, glycine, serine, threonine, arginine, tyrosine, proline, phenylalanine and leucine, and salts thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of obtaining volatile hydrocarbons produced by photosynthetic microorganisms using a two-phase gaseous/aqueous bioreactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of nucleic acid molecules coding for a bacterial xylose isomerase (XI), preferably coming from Clostridium phytofermentans, for reaction/metabolization, particularly fermentation, of recombinant microorganisms of biomaterial containing xylose, and particularly for the production of bioalcohols, particularly bioethanol, by means of xylose fermenting yeasts. The present invention further relates to cells, particularly eukaryotic cells, which are transformed utilizing a nucleic acid expression construct which codes for a xylose isomerase, wherein the expression of the nucleic acid expression construct imparts to the cells the capability to directly isomerize xylose into xylulose. Said cells are preferably utilized for reaction/metabolization, particularly fermentation, of biomaterial containing xylose, and particularly for the production of bioalcohols, particularly bioethanol.