Progress 07/01/23 to 07/31/24
Outputs
Target Audience:The intended audience for the information generated under this project includes potential investors who would provide future financing for R&D and commercialization, or potential commercial partners, such as biofuel producers and technology providers in the biofuel space. Grant program managers and peer reviewers, along with the wider scientific community are also part of the intended audience. Changes/Problems:No changes were made to the objectives or work plan. Although considerable progress was made on developing a custom fermentation system, unexpected operational difficulties prevented us from realizing the central Phase I objective. These difficulties and the activity to overcome them included: 1. Motors and Variable Frequency Drive units powering them failed and had to be replaced. 2. Load cells on the fermentor provided inconsistent data, but a work around was developed. 3. The seal on the fermentor was leaking, so the clamping mechanism was redesigned. Further details are documented in the Final Technical Report. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This SBIR funding supported a Frenchmechanical engineer, employed by Terragia under a J-1 cultural exchange and training visa. This engineer consucted research and development under the supervision of the Project Directors while fulfilling all requirements of the J-1 visa program. Additionally, a recent graduate with a Masters degree from the University of Illinois was employed as a bioprocess engineer under the OPT (Optional Practical Training)visa. This young engineer received training and practical training in bioprocess research and development. Antechnician who is a US citizen, who received her BS from Univeristy of Texas in 2022, also worked on this project. Shereceivedtraining in lignocellulose bioprocess research, particularly biomass processing and analysis, cultivation of anaerobicthermophilic bacteria, bioprocess optimization and troubleshooting, fermentation analysis and data reporting. The Project Director continued his professional development under thisaward by further advancing his ability to lead and coordinate grant funded research while also furthering business-orientedcommercialization activities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Members of the board of directors, potential investors, commercial partners and visiting academic scientists have been shown the equipment used in ths study while visiting the Terragia lab. The capabilities of the system as well as the potential impact on lowering the cost of biomass conversion have been explained. Upon completion of the project objectives, the results will be disseminated to the same audience. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Work is ongoing with corporate funds to meet the project objectivein time to apply for Phase II SBIR funding.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
A key element of the research plan was a continuously-fed bioreactor fermenting the input material with thermophilic bacteria engineered for high ethanol yield. Building on previous work, a newly designed bioreactor system was obtained for this project (without government funds) that is capable of metered delivery of sterile anaerobic corn stover into a continuous fermentor. We demonstrated consistent solids delivery and continuous fementation with the system. Technoeconomic analysis validated the substantial impact of reduced reaction time on the minimum ethanol selling price and overall economic viability. However, various mechanical and operational problems were encountered that prevented us from testing the central Phase I hypothesis. These problems were mostly overcome, although additional troubleshooting is required before the objectives can be met. Activites towards the objective include: 1. Installation, validation and troubleshooting of advanced bioprocessing equipment. 2. Fermentation of corn stover and production of cellulosic ethanol. 3. Technoeconomic analysis. Data generated from these activities include: 1. Data showing metered solids delivery to a fermentation reactor. 2. Data showing measured fermentation products. 3. Improved equipment designs, including controls and automation. 4. Calculations of minimum ethanol selling price under different processing scenarios. Impacts of the project include: 1. Advanced bioprocessing equipment validated and available for future work. 2. Validation of technical aspects of the company's business plans and potential forfuture revenue.
Publications
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