COMPOSITIONAL ANALYSIS
More Gallons to the Acre
We use biochemistry and molecular biology to develop crop varieties that can be processed more easily to yield more fuel per ton — reducing costs and improving the environmental benefits of biofuels.
When composition and conversion-performance traits are integrated with our marker-assisted breeding and gene-trait technologies, we can efficiently associate compositional traits with specific genes. This is especially useful since many such traits are influenced by multiple genes that may be scattered throughout the plant genome, and therefore, are extremely difficult to track in a conventional plant breeding program without the aid of molecular markers.
To measure compositional differences, we use a number of rapid analytical methods that rely on sophisticated statistical tools, modern analytical devices and the skills of experienced chemists. Additionally, we have developed proprietary, miniaturized biomass conversion assays to assess differences in processing performance.
We are also studying metabolic pathways in plants to produce commercially valuable co-products at higher levels, or in a more efficient fashion, or to produce novel plant products. In 2007, we began a three-year research collaboration, funded by a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant, with specialty materials company Rohm and Haas, to study the feasibility of producing methacrylate monomers in switchgrass.
We can increase or decrease the levels of the three main constituents of plant biomass – lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose – through both plant breeding and biotechnology. The amount of red coloring in the images below indicates the amount of lignin.
