E. Coli Can Be Turned into Fuel
- 11 years ago
E. Coli can be turned into fuel.
E. coli has gotten a pretty bad rap over the years, but its reputation may be on the up.
It turns out scientists can use the sometimes death-inducing bacteria to mimic diesel fuel.
Researchers used a genetically modified strain of it to turn sugar into an oil that’s almost identical to plain, everyday diesel.
Most forms of fuel alternatives are not entirely compatible with existing engines, requiring the addition of petroleum to make them work.
The scientists say that the e.coli fuel is pump-ready.
So, how close is Earth to having its best day since before the Industrial Revolution?
The creators of the e. coli diesel won’t know for about 3 to 5 more years. It takes about 100 liters of bacteria to produce a teaspoon of the fuel. They say the ability to produce greater yields needs to be realized before mass production can be considered.
E. coli itself is a hearty bacteria often found in the intestines of animals and humans. It can easily be spread to water and sediment and flourish as both have enough nutrients to sustain it.
E. coli has gotten a pretty bad rap over the years, but its reputation may be on the up.
It turns out scientists can use the sometimes death-inducing bacteria to mimic diesel fuel.
Researchers used a genetically modified strain of it to turn sugar into an oil that’s almost identical to plain, everyday diesel.
Most forms of fuel alternatives are not entirely compatible with existing engines, requiring the addition of petroleum to make them work.
The scientists say that the e.coli fuel is pump-ready.
So, how close is Earth to having its best day since before the Industrial Revolution?
The creators of the e. coli diesel won’t know for about 3 to 5 more years. It takes about 100 liters of bacteria to produce a teaspoon of the fuel. They say the ability to produce greater yields needs to be realized before mass production can be considered.
E. coli itself is a hearty bacteria often found in the intestines of animals and humans. It can easily be spread to water and sediment and flourish as both have enough nutrients to sustain it.