OUTPUTS

The outcome of RICEFUEL will be Indian-based, cost-effective, scaled fermentation processes for the microbial (Geobacillus and Clostridia) production of butanol and alkanes using rice straw as a feedstock. Its saccharification will have been enhanced through the discovery and exploitation of new, more effective lignocelluloses-degrading enzymes. 

Both the enzymes and process organisms, will have wider application. Thus, the enzyme cocktail developed for rice should be effective on other cereals used widely in the UK and India, such as wheat, barley and maize. The project will have provided a natural extension to outputs from BSBEC (lignocellulose deconstruction and butanol producing clostridia) and will have built a lasting bridge between the Indian and UK scientific communities that will endure in future collaborative programmes of work within the biorenewables sector.