Researchers see breakthrough in efficient biofuel production
MSN, Tech Explore highlight UC, national lab collaboration
MSN and Tech Explore highlighted a research collaboration between the University of Cincinnati and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory exploring how alcohol produced by biomass is deadly toxic to biomass cells.
Understanding how this happens could help scientists create more efficient production of this renewable energy.
In a study published in the journal Langmuir, researchers reported on their breakthrough in understanding the vulnerability of microbes to the alcohols they produce during fermentation.
With the national lab’s neutron scattering and simulation equipment, the team analyzed fermentation of the biofuel butanol, an energy-packed alcohol that also can be used as a solvent or chemical feedstock.
Butanol is toxic to the very microorganisms that produce it. This toxicity limits the amount of butanol that can be generated during fermentation, presenting a challenge to bio-based production, said Jonathan Nickels, an associate professor of chemical and environmental engineering in UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science.
“We investigated the biophysical basis for this hypothesis, and now we've demonstrated that it physically checks out,“ Nickels told Tech Explore.
Featured image at top: Researchers in UC's College of Engineering and Applied Science are working to produce biofuel more efficiently. Photo/Unsplash
More UC chemical and environmental engineering news
Students in UC's Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering work on research alongside experts in government and industry. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
Related Stories
Recent advances may speed time to endometriosis diagnosis
March 16, 2026
The average time to clinical diagnosis of endometriosis is nine years. Definitive diagnosis of the disease is difficult, and until recently, has relied on laparoscopic surgery. Now, as Medscape recently reported, novel clinical recommendations, advanced diagnostic tools and research into inflammation and immune responses, are bringing promise that women with endometriosis will find relief sooner and without surgery, according to experts, including Katie Burns, PhD, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine associate professor.
Position-specific helmets may not improve protection
March 16, 2026
Local 12 highlighted a new study by biomedical engineering researchers that looked at how well new football helmets protected players from impacts that can cause concussions.
UC biologist talks about 'pearmageddon'
March 16, 2026
WLWT talks to UC biologist and Department Head Theresa Culley about invasive, nonnative Callery pear trees that are spreading across Ohio forests after they were introduced by landscapers more than 50 years ago.