A game-changer for biofuel production

(From left): Dr Li Tinggang, research fellow; Mr Zhang Chen, a PhD student; and Associate Professor He Jianzhong from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at NUS are part of a team that has found that a natural bacterium isolated fro
(From left): Dr Li Tinggang, research fellow; Mr Zhang Chen, a PhD student; and Associate Professor He Jianzhong from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at NUS are part of a team that has found that a natural bacterium isolated from mushroom crop residue can directly convert cellulose to biobutanol, a biofuel. PHOTO: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE
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Scientists here are turning trash to treasure by transforming unwanted farming byproducts into fuel.

The National University of Singapore researchers have discovered how to isolate and harness a naturally occurring bacterium from mushroom crop residue. This is then used to convert cellulose, a plant-based material, to biobutanol, which can replace petrol in car engines.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 05, 2018, with the headline A game-changer for biofuel production. Subscribe