Fundamental biological science

A full and detailed integration of science and engineering research will be needed for the continued growth of the biorefinery and biofuels. Fundamental R&D in biomass conversion must be targeted to process improvements based on technical barriers. An integrated funda­mental and applied research program in biochemical conversion must include advancements in these three critical areas.

2.42.1.1 FEEDSTOCK ENGINEERING

• Develop genomics and agronomic/silviculture strategies to maximize the yield and quality of developing energy crops.

• Design and manipulate plant cell wall composition and structure to maximize the yield of fermentable sugars.

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2.4.2.1.2 CELL WALL SACCHARIFICATION

• Analyze glycosyl hydrolase structure/function as it applies to plant cell wall deconstruction.

• Develop improved (engineered) enzymes for advanced biochemical conversion technolo­gies and integrate them with pretreatment chemistries.

2.4.2.1.3 STRAIN DEVELOPMENT

• Apply systems biology and biochemistry to strain improvement to increase the conversion of sugars released during biomass deconstruction to ethanol and products.

• Focus on strains that will produce saccharifying enzymes and ferment the resulting sugars to ethanol.