New enzymes discovered for positive advanced biofuel creation

Researchers at York University, UK believe they have made ‘a significant step’ towards development of effective second generation biofuels.

The scientists claim to have discovered a family of enzymes which can degrade hard-to-digest biomass, like wood chips, cardboard and plant stems, into constituent sugars.

‘There’s no doubt this discovery will have an impact on not only those researchers around the globe working on how to solve the problems associated with second generation biofuel generation, but also on the producers of bioethanol who now have a further tool to help them generate biofuel from sustainable sources,’ says co-research leader Paul Walton.

The research was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and hopes to offer a path towards ending the food-vs-fuel debate.