Better Biofuel Production from Corn Stalk

Date:21-Jan-2019

Country: United States

Application

• This research can enhance ethanol production efficiency from corn by optimizing the breakdown of plant biomass.

Description

Researchers at Louisiana State University have uncovered a novel molecular structure in corn, showing that xylan, rather than lignin, connects cellulose and lignin in plant cell walls. This discovery has the potential to enhance biofuel production by refining the process of converting corn into ethanol. Using advanced analytical methods, the team found similar structures in other plants. Their work paves the way for improved biomass processing and greater efficiency in biofuel production.

Pathway Description:

The researchers used solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to analyze the molecular structure of intact corn stalks at the atomic level. This technique enabled them to discover the roles of cellulose, lignin, and xylan in the plant's structure, providing a more precise understanding of the plant's biomass and its implications for improving ethanol production efficiency.