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The Southeastern Regional
Sun Grant Center
2506 Jacob Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4570
Phone: (865) 946-1124
Fax: (865) 946-1109
Email: sungrant@tennessee.edu

Regional Competitive Grants

Project Title:  Conversion of agricultural materials to biofuels and bioproducts by Thermotoga neapolitana, a hyperthermophilic, anaerobic bacterium

Principal Investigators and affiliations:

  • PI: Mike Henson (Clemson University, Department of Biological Sciences)
  • Co-PI: Caye Drapcho (Clemson University, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering)  

Start Date: 9/1/2007      End Date: 8/31/2008

Project Abstract:

The objectives of this research are:

·         To assess the production rate of hydrogen from potential bioenergy feed stocks, such as, waste fruits and switchgrass.

·         Evaluate the effects that multiple carbohydrates within each potential bioenergy feed stock have on the sequence of utilization and hydrogen production efficiency.

·         To assess the nutritional needs of Thermotoga neapolitana when growing on the above bioenergy feed stocks.

·          To initiate consideration of other types of microorganisms that would be required in the microbial community of a larger scale fermentation process of converting bioenergy crops/material to biofuels.

The methods of this research are:

·         Select the agricultural waste fruit, anticipated to be waste peaches, and the potential bioenergy crop, anticipated to be a grass (switchgrass).

·         Prepare the two feedstocks by blending or a similar mechanism for introduction to small-scale microcosms

·         Use 500 and/or 150 mL serum bottles as microcosms. These microcosms are to contain appropriate microbiological growth media prepared to maintain anaerobic conditions after inoculation with Thermotoga neapolitana.

·         Headspace gases are to be analyzed for hydrogen and carbon dioxide using a gas chromatograph equipped with a Thermal Conductivity Detector. Carbohydrates, based on an initial assessment of the starting feed stock, are to be measured during the assessments.

·         The rate and quantity of hydrogen produced from the different feed stocks are to evaluated and the sequence of utilization for individual carbohydrates will be assessed.

The outcomes of this research are:

·         The production rate of hydrogen is expected to vary based on the feedstock and time allowed for the fermentation reactions. For example, the presence of higher carbohydrates in the fruits could result in maximum hydrogen production occurring in less time when compared to switchgrass

·         Information regarding the nutritional needs for this bacterium when growing on various agricultural products, like switchgrass or waste fruits. The addition of either nitrogen or phosphorous-containing salts or cofactors, such as vitamins, may be required for hydrogen production depending on the feedstock.

·         Since Thermotoga neapolitana produces hydrogen, acetate, and carbon dioxide at elevated temperatures, ~75°C, the consideration of various microorganisms to either better ferment insoluble substrates, such as cellulose and hemicelluloses, or removal of the thermodynamically inhibitory hydrogen from the reactor will be developed based on the results of Objectives 1 and 2.

 

Reports and Publications:

Quarter 1 - 2008
Quarter 2 - 2008
Project Final Report