Abstract: The present invention is related to compositions and methods for enhanced synthesis of hydrocarbons, particularly, but not limited to, alkanes. The invention, in one embodiment, utilizes the co-expression of a hydrogen peroxide metabolizing enzyme in the presence of an aldehyde decarbonylase enzyme to relieve hydrogen peroxide inhibition of the aldehyde decarbonylase enzyme by hydrogen peroxide. In a preferred embodiment a catalase-aldehyde decarbonylase expression construct and fusion peptide is used. The present invention also relates to microorganisms engineered to express said enzymes and to produce hydrocarbon molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides endoglucanase 1b (EG1b) variants suitable for use in saccharification reactions. The present application further provides genetically modified fungal organisms that produce EG1b variants, as well as enzyme mixtures exhibiting enhanced hydrolysis of cellulosic material to fermentable sugars, enzyme mixtures produced by the genetically modified fungal organisms, and methods for producing fermentable sugars from cellulose using such enzyme mixtures.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to microorganisms that comprise one or more polynucleotides coding for enzymes in one or more pathways that catalyze a conversion of a fermentable carbon source to butadiene. Also provided are methods of using the microorganisms in industrial processes including, for use in the production of butadiene and products derived therefrom.

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: The invention relates to processes and equipment for treatment of a feedstock by anaerobic organisms to produce a methane containing biogas that can be used as a source of energy. The invention is particularly concerned with producing methane from a waste plant material such as produced by fermentation processes used in the alcoholic beverages industry, such as from brewing/distilling processes which employ grain material for fermentation.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for producing polymers of isoprene derived from renewable resources, such as isoprene produced from cultured cells that use renewable carbon sources. A starting isoprene composition, such as a bioisoprene composition, is distinguished from petroleum based isoprene by its purity profile (such as lower levels of certain C5 hydrocarbons other than isoprene, presence of certain compounds associated with the biological process for production) and the relative content of the carbon isotopes. Polymers obtained by polymerization of such starting isoprene composition according to this invention, such as a polyisoprene homopolymer or a copolymer having repeat units that are derived from isoprene, are distinguishable from isoprene containing polymers from petrochemical resources.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that has been devised to overcome the two most important limitations for sustained biological hydrogen production, namely contamination of the microbial hydrogen-producing cultures with methane-producing cultures necessitating frequent re-start-up and/or other methanogenic bacteria inactivation techniques, and the low bacterial yield of hydrogen-producers culminating in microbial washout from the system and failure. The system includes a continuously stirred bioreactor (CSTR) for biological hydrogen production, followed by a gravity settler positioned downstream of the CSTR, which combination forms a biohydrogenator. The biomass concentration in the hydrogen reactor is kept at the desired range through biomass recirculation from the bottom of the gravity settler and/or biomass wastage from the gravity settler's underflow.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel biosynthetic pathway for the production of isoprene from 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol or 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol. Further embodiments provide non-naturally occurring microorganism that have been modified to produce isoprene from 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol or 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol and methods of producing isoprene using said microorganism.

Abstract: A biogas plant has at least one fermenter (1) and a first gas store (3) and a second gas store (5) for storing biogas. The gas store (3) is connectable to a first biogas conduit (4) that is connectable to a gas outlet (7) of at least one fermenter (1) while the second gas store (5) is connectable to a second biogas conduit (6) that is connectable to a gas outlet (7) of the at least one fermenter (1). A biogas utilization appliance (2) is connectable to the first biogas store (3) and/or to the first biogas conduit (4) and to the second biogas store (5) and/or to the second biogas conduit (6). The biogas plant has a control appliance (8) for controlling the quantitative ratios of the biogas streams conducted from the biogas conduits (4, 6) and/or the biogas stores (3, 5) to the biogas utilization appliance (2).

Abstract: A method for producing biogas by anaerobic digestion of organic matter may involve feeding organic matter suitable for biogas production to a first tank reactor, and in the first tank reactor, contacting the organic matter with biogas producing microorganisms for digestion under anaerobic conditions. The organic matter may be digested in the first tank reactor while producing biogas. The method may further involve providing digested sludge from an anaerobic digestion process in a second tank reactor, which differs from the first tank reactor, the digested sludge containing a desired composition of nutriments. The nutriments may be fed into the first tank reactor.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions of polypeptides having isoprene synthase activity with improved performance characteristics. In particular, the present invention provides legume isoprene synthases for increased isoprene production in recombinant host cells.

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: The invention features methods producing isoprene and a co-product, such as ethanol, 1,3-propanediol, or hydrogen from cultured cells. The invention also provides compositions that include these cultured cells. The invention provides compositions comprising isoprene and ethanol, isoprene and 1,3-propanediol, and isoprene and hydrogen. Additionally, the invention provides methods of co-producing isoprene and ethanol, isoprene and 1,3-propanediol, and isoprene and hydrogen by culturing cells under conditions suitable for co-production of isoprene and ethanol, isoprene and 1,3-propanediol, and isoprene and hydrogen.

Abstract: Provided are isolated polypeptides having xylanase activity, catalytic domains and cellulose binding domains, and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, catalytic domains or cellulose binding domains. Also provided are nucleic acid constructs, vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides, catalytic domains or cellulose binding domains.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anaerobic process for biogas upgrading and hydrogen utilization comprising the use of acidic waste as co-substrate. In this process, H2 and CO2 will be converted to CH4, which will result in lower CO2 content in the biogas. The invention relates to both in situ and ex situ methods of biogas upgrading. The invention further relates to a bioreactor comprising hollow fibre membranes.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, apparatus and material are described for generating renewable energy from biomass waste while sequestering carbon. In one aspect, a method performed by a reactor to dissociate raw biomass waste into a renewable source energy or a carbon byproduct or both includes receiving the raw biomass waste that includes carbon, hydrogen and oxygen to be dissociated under an anaerobic reaction. Waste heat is recovered from an external heat source to heat the received raw biomass waste. The heated raw biomass waste is dissociated to produce the renewable fuel, carbon byproduct or both. The dissociating includes compacting the heated raw biomass waste, generating heat from an internal heat source, and applying the generated heat to the compacted biomass waste under pressure.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods for the increased production of mevalonate, isoprene, isoprenoid precursor molecules, and/or isoprenoids in microorganisms via the heterologous expression of the mvaE and mvaS genes from the organisms Listeria grayi DSM 20601, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus gallinarum EG2, and Enterococcus casseliflavus.

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: Herein disclosed is a method comprising: converting at least a portion of the biomass into medium-chain fatty acids or carboxylic acids ranging from C4 to C9; reacting at least a portion of the medium-chain fatty acids or carboxylic acids in a ketonization reactor to produce a ketonization product; and reacting at least a portion of the ketonization product in a hydrodeoxygenation reactor to remove substantially all oxygen and produce a hydrodeoxygenation product comprising n-paraffins. Herein also disclosed is a system comprising: a fermentation unit to convert the biomass into medium-chain fatty acids or carboxylic acids ranging from C4 to C9; a ketonization reactor configured to receive at least a portion of the medium-chain fatty acids or carboxylic acids and to produce a ketonization product; and a hydrodeoxygenation reactor configured to receive at least a portion of the ketonization product and to produce a hydrodeoxygenation product comprising n-paraffins.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing a biofuel using genetically modified iron-oxidizing bacteria (IOB) are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: providing an IOB that have been genetically modified to enable them to generate a biofuel or chemical; feeding a first source of ferrous iron to the IOB; feeding water, carbon dioxide, and oxygen to the IOB; producing at least the biofuel or chemical, ferric iron, and an IOB biomass; and preventing ferric precipitates from forming. In some embodiments, the methods and systems include the following: a bioreactor including IOB that have been genetically modified to enable them to generate a biofuel; a first source of ferrous iron; sources of water, carbon dioxide, and oxygen; a source of anti-ferric precipitating agent in fluid communication with the bioreactor; and a electrochemical reactor that is configured to electrochemically reduce ferric iron to a second source of ferrous iron.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having xylanase activity and 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: This invention relates to apparatuses and methods for the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions resulting from combustion using a bioreactor that includes methanogenic bacteria or genetically modified algae.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the increased production of intracellular acetyl-CoA, mevalonate, isoprenoid precursors, isoprene and/or isoprenoids by recombinant microorganisms via co-metabolism of substrates with varied oxidation levels.

Abstract: Provided are isolated polypeptides having beta-glucosidase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. Also provided are nucleic acid constructs, vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fermenter for generating biogas from pumpable organic material with a low content of organic dry matter (oTS), comprising at least one inlet for the pumpable organic material, at least one fixed bed reactor for the pumpable organic material with at least one primary and one secondary section and at least one outlet the remaining fermentation residue. Furthermore, the fermenter can optionally comprises at least one sedimentation chamber for the pumpable organic material, arranged between the primary and secondary sections and at least one recycling section connected to the sedimentation chamber and designed such that specific lighter fractions of the pumpable organic material can be recovered and reintroduced to the rising (primary) section of the fixed bed reactor or a preceding or subsequent conventional fermenter.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing and removing C6 and/or C8 carboxylates and/or methane from carbohydrate containing biomass, an alcohol, and mixtures of microorganisms under an anaerobic environment. The C6 and/or C8 carboxylates are removed continuously or in-line. Methanogenesis is not inhibited and very little input carbon is lost as 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: The present application provide methods for producing ethanol from a biomass. The methods combine sugars produced from a feedstock containing starch with sugars produced from a cellulosic biomass. The methods allow increased amounts of ethanol to be produced from a given solids concentration in the fermenters. The methods also encompass filtering the liquefied feedstock mash through a filter comprising biomass fibers. The biomass filter produces a post-filtered mash stream comprising a high concentration of sugars and a low concentration of non-fermentable solids. The methods provide numerous advantages described herein.

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: The present invention relates to recombinant filamentous fungal host cells producing cellulolytic enzyme compositions and methods of producing and using the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and 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 digestion system for digestion of animal or other organic material and production of biogas is shown. The digestion system includes a simplified construction and improved agitation system both partially enabled by a dual container system that makes use of the buoyancy of the digestion container for support.

Abstract: Provided are isolated polypeptides having endoglucanase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. Also provided are nucleic acid constructs, vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: A method of creating an extract of myceliated agricultural product for human consumption includes providing an agricultural substrate such as rice, where the agricultural substrate has been inoculated by liquid media comprising an aliquot of culture derived from liquid-state fermentation. The culture being selected from the group consisting of Basidiomycota and Ascomycota fungi. Next, the step of enabling mycelium growth on the substrate by controlling temperature, humidity and sterility of the environment. After mycelium growth on the substrate reaches a desired stage, then the step of boiling the substrate in water and separating the water-substrate mixture into aqueous component and non-aqueous components creates an extraction.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful intermediates and products, such as energy, fuels, foods or materials. For example, methods are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce an intermediate or product, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: The invention provides method and compositions to minimize the chlorophyll antenna size of photosynthesis by decreasing TLA2 gene expression, thereby improving solar conversion efficiencies and photosynthetic productivity in green microalgae, under bright sunlight conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating organic materials to produce methane gas, comprising the steps of: a) subjecting an organic feedstock comprising organic materials to a liquefaction process at subcritical conditions in at least one reaction stage, to obtain a mixture containing low molecular weight materials and optionally lignins; b) subjecting the obtained mixture containing low molecular weight materials and optionally lignins, to a methane fermentation process; wherein said organic feedstock comprises liquid water and/or is combined with liquid water before and/or during said liquefaction, and the subcritical conditions for said at least one or more reaction stage(s) in a) is a temperature of 280-374° C.

Abstract: Provided are isolated polypeptides having xylanase activity, catalytic domains and cellulose binding domains, and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, catalytic domains or cellulose binding domains. Also provided are nucleic acid constructs, vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides, catalytic domains or cellulose binding domains.

Abstract: Processes for converting organic material into renewable fuel products. A feedstock containing organic material is processed at an elevated pressure and temperature to lyse, decarboxylate, and carbonize cell structures. A portion of the processed slurry may be recirculated and mixed with cool, pressurized feedstock prior to reaching a mechanical mixing device to preheat and reduce the viscosity of the feedstock. The pressure and temperature are reduced, which may occur simultaneously to flash volatile materials, such as ammonia, out of the slurry, thereby reducing the presence of the materials in the final product and allowing recovery of the materials. The processed slurry may be treated with a halide to reduce mercury emissions in the final product. The treated slurry is mechanically and thermally dewatered resulting in a renewable fuel product in dried particulate or pelletized form that is a viable energy source having a positive heating value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having xylanase activity, catalytic domains, and carbohydrate binding domains, and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, catalytic domains, and carbohydrate binding domains. The present invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides, catalytic domains, and carbohydrate binding domains.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a metabolic profile of an anaerobic microbial fermentation culture. In particular, a metabolic profile of a fermentation process is controlled by controlling the amount of dissolved CO2 provided to a culture. Further provided is a method of producing one or more products by microbial fermentation of a gaseous substrate through feeding tail gas CO2 from a reactor to a second reactor, or by recycling tail gas CO2 to the same reactor.

Abstract: Provided herein are nanolipoprotein particles that comprise a biosynthetic enzyme more particularly an enzyme capable of catalyzing rubber or other rubbers polymerization, and related assemblies, devices, methods and systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of producing biological products or increasing production of such products through expression in a plant of a bacterial or plant glycolate catabolic cycle gene, such as glycolate dehydrogenease (GDH), glycolate oxidase (GO), or malate synthase (MS) in combination with a plant gene, such as farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPS), squalene synthase (SQS), or PLAS. Also provided are plants, plants parts and compositions produced through methods of the present invention. The invention leads to two to five fold increase of end product yield.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a process for producing isoprene from a starch substrate by saccharification and/or fermentation. The saccharification is effectively catalyzed by a glucoamylase at a pH in the range of 5.0 to 8.0. At a pH of 6.0 or above, the glucoamylase possesses at least 50% activity relative to its maximum activity. The saccharification and fermentation may be performed as a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process.

Abstract: Integrated biorefineries are provided that integrate biomass cultivation with processing to convert cultivated biomass to a fuel, and further integrate carbon recovery from the biomass processing. Biomass processing to fuels begins in a treatment system, such as a hydrothermal treatment system, that produces an organic phase that is suitable for refining to a fuel and also produces a waste stream. The biorefinery optionally includes a dewatering system, a refining system to convert the organic phase to the fuel, and a cogeneration system configured to use at least some of the fuel produced by the treatment system to generate electricity and heat that can be used for biorefinery operations.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for synthesizing low nitrogen concentration organic liquids from biomass, such as algae, the organic liquids being suitable for refining into fuels and other chemicals. The biomass together with a solvent that is immiscible with water at room temperature are subjected to a subcritical hydrothermal treatment to disrupt cell structure and transform the biomass into a gas phase, a bio-oil phase, an aqueous phase and a solid phase. The aqueous phase contains most of the nitrogen. The resulting multi-phasic mixture can be separated into four phases, including an aqueous phase and the organic liquid which consists of bio-oil dissolved in the solvent. Refined organic liquid can be recycled into the hydrothermal treatment as the solvent. The subcritical hydrothermal treatment can be performed at a generally low temperature and followed by a second hydrothermal treatment at a higher temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes, methods, and systems for converting biomass-derived feedstocks to liquid fuels and chemicals. The method generally includes the reaction of a hydrolysate from a biomass deconstruction process with hydrogen and a catalyst to produce a reaction product comprising one of more oxygenated compounds. The process also includes reacting the reaction product with a condensation catalyst to produce C4+ compounds useful as fuels and chemicals.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and compositions for growing high density cultures of dechlorinating microorganisms, such as the bacteria Dehalococcoides. Dechlorinating cultures are grown in continuous flow stirred-tank reactors at short hydraulic retention time, resulting in improved batch production. For some cultures, a culture medium including chlorine containing compounds, bicarbonate, and HEPES utilized.

Abstract: A method for converting an alcohol to a hydrocarbon, the method comprising contacting said alcohol with a metal-loaded zeolite catalyst at a temperature of at least 100° C. and up to 550° C., wherein said alcohol can be produced by a fermentation process, said metal is a positively-charged metal ion, and said metal-loaded zeolite catalyst is catalytically active for converting said alcohol to said hydrocarbon.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for improved production of acetyl-CoA and acetyl-CoA derived compounds in a host cell. In some embodiments, the host cell is genetically modified to comprise a heterologous nucleotide sequence encoding a phosphoketolase (PK), and a functional disruption of an endogenous enzyme that converts acetyl phosphate to acetate. In some embodiments, the host cell further comprises a heterologous nucleotide sequence encoding a phosphotransacetylase (PTA). In some embodiments, the enzyme that converts acetyl phosphate to acetate is a glycerol-1-phosphatase. In some embodiments, the glycerol-1-phosphatase is GPP1/RHR2. In some embodiments, the glycerol-1-phosphatase is GPP2/HOR2. The compositions and methods described herein provide an efficient route for the heterologous production of acetyl-CoA-derived compounds, including but not limited to, isoprenoids, polyketides, and fatty acids.