18. Biofuels II -> biofuels and biochemicals

Clostridium acetobutylicum

A bacterium that produces acetone, butanol, and ethanol through fermentation of sugars.

ABE process

The fermentation process carried out by Clostridium acetobutylicum to produce acetone, butanol, and ethanol.

Anaerobic conditions

The natural environment required for the ABE process to occur, without the presence of oxygen.

Microbial production

The use of microorganisms to produce organic and amino acids, such as acetone and butanol.

Genetically engineering

The process of modifying the genetic makeup of an organism to enhance its ability to produce desired compounds.

Biosynthetic pathway

The specific set of biochemical reactions involved in the production of novel compounds.

Fast growth

An important property to consider when choosing a species for chemical production, as it allows for higher production rates.

Export of chemicals

The ability of an organism to secrete the desired chemicals from the cell, reducing costs and facilitating extraction.

Farnesene

A low-value hydrocarbon that can be used as a biofuel or chemical feedstock.

Upscaling

The process of increasing production from lab scale to industrial scale, involving challenges such as mixing, aeration, and contamination.

Deletion of a native gene

A stable genetic mutation that involves inactivating a gene in the organism.

High-value compounds

Chemicals with a higher market value, such as nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals.

Batch cultures

Lower volume cultures used for producing higher value compounds, which are easier to scale up and require less genetic mutation.

Spider silk

A high-value product that is tougher than steel or Kevlar, but cannot be farmed from spiders.

Sea silk (byssus)

The most valuable fabric in human history, with a Japanese businessman reportedly offering a high price for a small square of it.