Scientists engineered bacteria to produce fuel from sunlight

Scientists at University of California have engineered a bacteria which could help grow chemical derivatives for fuels and plastics. They have used Cyanobacteria (also called blue-green algae) to convert carbon dioxide into 2,3 butanediol, a chemical that can be used to make paint, solvents, plastics and fuels. Although the productivity is very minute but researchers are hopeful that it can be implement on large scale after improving the yield. If this is done successfully, it can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels to get industrial chemicals.

The US Department of Energy has set a goal of obtaining a quarter of industrial chemicals from biological processes by 2025.

What is Cyanobacteria?

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green bacteria or blue-green algae, and Cyanophyta, is a phylum of bacteria that obtain their energy through photosynthesis. The name "cyanobacteria" comes from the color of the bacteria.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2013

Category: Science & Technology Current Affairs