Microorganisms as Direct and Indirect Sources of Alternative Fuels

Abstract

The industrialization and economic growth during the XXth century had been supported by fossil fuels, but it is clear that they are limited and they cannot sustain the growing energy needs. There is urgency in finding renewable and efficient fuels. The solar energy is obviously the solution in long-term but without suitable methods of storage, it is impossible to use it as a primary source of energy. One of the most important form of solar energy capturing is biomass itself, including the cell mass of microorganisms. The potential of microbes in alternative fuels and energy production is still unexploited. There are several possible routes for using a single-celled organisms to harvest energy.

A Review of Hydrothermal Biomass Liquefaction: Operating Parameters, Reaction Mechanism, and Bio-Oil Yields and Compositions

“…And their content can reach about 20%−50%. 100 Phenolic compounds in bio-oil are usually generated during the decomposition of lignin. Common phenolic compounds include catechol, syringaldehyde and resorcinol.…”

“…The ester compounds in bio-oil include methyl formate, methyl acetate, methyl butyrate, etc., which are usually compounds generated by the reaction of carboxylic acid and alcohol. And their content can reach about 20%–50% . Phenolic compounds in bio-oil are usually generated during the decomposition of lignin.…”

Study of Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Tertiary Blend of Poly(lactic acid), Poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) and Thermoplastic starch

“…Biodegradable plastics are plastics that can be decomposed by the action of living organisms usually microorganisms under the suitable conditions which are converted into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass [8]. Biodegradation is a process that can occur in many environments such as soils, compost sites, water treatment facilities, marine environments and even in the human body.…”