Diversifying Midwestern Biofuel Feedstocks: Evaluation of Nitrogen Fixing Alnus & Salix Germplasm

This research project will evaluate and develop woody feedstocks such as hybrid polar and alder to augment cellulosic feedstock production. Sites have been secured and plantings and seedlings purchased. Mature wood samples collected to compare to seedlings for wood structure and carbohydrate yield. Samples analyzed for ash, lignin, carbohydrate & extractive content. Currently finalizing cellulase enzymes for enzymatic hydrolysis and a standard hydrolysis process for all samples. Task 1: Characterize juvenile wood samples of Alnus. Task 2: Quantify the ash content of the juvenile Alnus samples. Task 3: Assay enzymes used for hydrolyzing biomass to determine their viability/activity level . Task 4: Compile the viability and height data from the planting sites. 3rd Quarter Report: efforts have focused on the enzymatic hydrolysis of all species of Alnus. Procedures outlined by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass have been completed, and the resulting hydrolysate is set to be analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. This data will provide a baseline efficiency for the enzymatic hydrolysis of Alnus polysaccharides to their monomeric sugar constituents. With the baseline established, enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency gains achieved through the incorporation of a biomass pretreatment step can be properly assessed through comparative analysis.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Program Information: Advanced Research, Biobased Research

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $480744.00
• Sponsor Organizations:

  Research and Innovative Technology Administration

  Department of Transportation
  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Johnson, Shawn

• Performing Organizations:

  University of Minnesota, St Paul

  1530 North Cleveland Avenue
  St Paul, MN  United States  55101
• Principal Investigators:

  Hokanson, Stan

• Start Date: 20070701
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 20120630
• Source Data: RiP Project 31345

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Ash content; Biomass fuels; Cellulose; Lignin; Nitrogen
• Uncontrolled Terms: Enzymes; Feedstocks
• Subject Areas: Energy; Transportation (General);

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01572227
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Department of Transportation
• Files: RIP
• Created Date: Aug 4 2015 1:01AM