Efficient biofuel generation using genetically modified bacteria and copper

Genetically engineered bacteria are promising tools for generating biofuels and commodity chemicals from carbon dioxide and iron(II). However, the product of this reaction, iron(III), is poorly soluble and has prevented bacterial biofuel generation from achieving its full potential. This technology couples bacterial iron oxidation to copper reduction-oxidation (redox) reactions to allow iron(III) to be reduced back to iron(II) in situ, increasing bioreactor energy density and improving the efficiency of the overall process. Moreover, the solid copper needed for this process can be economically extracted from low grade mineral ores using genetically modified acid-producing bacteria. This technology has the potential to reduce the cost of bioreactors and increase the rate of biofuel production.

Increased fuel production rate and energy density compared to iron-only bioreactorsUtilizes existing large-scale reactors with minimal development costs Compatible with previously unrelated industrial processes such as copper miningIron oxidizing bacteria have evolved a high tolerance for copper, making them robust and healthy in high-copper media Patent Information:Patent Pending (WO/2015/200287)Tech Ventures Reference: IR CU14270, IR CU15288

Integrated copper extraction from copper ores and biofuel generation to offset carbon dioxide emissions and fuel consumption in mining operationsCarbon dioxide capture and storage directly from copper mining operationsCopper extraction from low grade mineral ores, metal alloys, and/or scrap metals for recyclingLow cost, continuous chemical production through recycling of copper feedCarbon neutral fuel production if combined with green electricity generation (wind or solar)

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USA