JBEI Develops Microbes to Produce Synthetic Jet Fuel 36 Times More Efficiently
Research teams at the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) have developed microbes that produce precursors for jet fuel 36 times more efficiently than previous strains. The focus is on Isoprenol, which can be chemically converted into Dimethylcyclooctan (DMCO), a synthetic jet fuel with higher energy density than conventional kerosene. Advances in artificial intelligence, automation, and biological sensing are driving this process, aiming for rapid optimization and discovery.

At the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), researchers have engineered microbes capable of producing Isoprenol, a precursor for synthetic jet fuel, 36 times more efficiently than earlier strains. Isoprenol can be converted into Dimethylcyclooctan (DMCO), which offers greater energy density than conventional kerosene.
The research integrates artificial intelligence, automation, and biological sensing to enhance production rates and optimize genetic combinations. Innovations include a biosensor system that allows cells to signal their own Isoprenol production, thus enabling the selection of high-yielding strains. The next step involves scaling up production in larger fermenters to evaluate industrial viability.




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