Industrially Robust Enzymes And Microorganisms For Production Of Sugars And Ethanol From Agricultural Biomass
	Anaerobic Microbiological Processes In Animal Manure Management

Technology Description:    ARS scientists in Peoria, IL have developed a new method for converting plant material into a simple sugar, which can be used in ethanol fuel production.  ARS’s technology uses fermentation to converts plant cell wall carbohydrates into xylose—a type of sugar found in most plants.   Most fuel ethanol is produced from sugars derived from corn starch or cane syrup.  No process exists for turning plant materials into sugars for large-scale industrial applications.  These sugars, and the method used to produce them, are relatively expensive.  Also, corn starch and cane syrup have a higher value when used in food products.  Starches and sugars—which are typically derived from sources like residues and byproducts from agriculture, gardening, and forestry—represent only a fraction of the total carbohydrates available from plant material.  Xylose is the second most abundant sugar in plants.  Xlose produced from this technology can be fermented to produce bioproducts, such as ethanol.    ARS is seeking a cooperative research partner to develop the technology for large-scale commercial production.   Companies that produce enzymes for ethanol production would be able to use this technology, and adapt it for commercial applications.   Reference:     Please refer to S.N. 11/904,577 (Docket #0062.06), which was filed on September 27, 2007.  Foreign rights are available.  Similar technologies relating to biofuels are also available.  Please refer to USPN 6,280,986; USPN 7,067,303; USPN 6,855,838; and S.N. 11/337,458.   Inventors:   Douglas B. Jordan Terence R. Whitehead Fermentation Biotechnology Research (Same as first inventor) Peoria, IL 61604 Terry.whitehead@ars.usda.gov Phone: (309) 681-6472      Fax: (309) 681-6427 Christopher A. Dunlap Douglas.jordan@ars.usda.gov Crop Bioprotection Research   Phone: (309) 681-6339 Michael A. Cotta    Fax: (309) 681-6693 (Same as first inventor) Christopher.dunlap@ars.usda.gov Mike.cotta@ars.usda.gov