Improving biomass feedstocks and processes for biorefining
Context
As the world struggles to reduce carbon emissions, the need to produce sustainable low carbon chemicals, fuels and materials from plant biomass becomes increasingly urgent, but is challenged by the costs of biomass conversion. Large amounts of sugar and phenolics are locked up in the woody, non-food parts of crops and could be used for renewables production without compromising global food security.
The research
We are using advanced genetic tools to improve the quality of biomass feedstock for biorefining and tailoring effective methods for biomass conversion. We use our knowledge and expertise in studying the major polymeric components of plant biomass to reduce the molecular interactions that contribute to its recalcitrance to enzymatic digestion, and develop effective pre-treatments and enzymes for deconstruction.
To identify the key components of biomass recalcitrance we have developed an automated platform that can help identify genes and biomass features that can be changed to improve biomass processing. We have developed a collaborative network with UK partners and international collaborators from Europe, the US, Brazil, India, Vietnam, Philippines, among others, to improve biomass quality and processing in the main crop species across the world.
Contact us
Centre for Novel Agricultural Products
cnap@york.ac.uk
+44 (0)1904 328776
Department of Biology,
University of York,
Wentworth Way,
York
YO10 5DD
Featured researcher
Leonardo Gomez
Dr Gomez specialises in the use of plants as chemical platforms for the production of biorenewable products.
Contact us
Centre for Novel Agricultural Products
cnap@york.ac.uk
+44 (0)1904 328776
Department of Biology,
University of York,
Wentworth Way,
York
YO10 5DD