Microbiogen receives $A2.5 million from Australia for research on conversion of xylose to biofuels

In Australia, the federal government awarded $A2.5 million to Microbiogen under the Second Generation Biofuels Research and Development Program, wfor R&D into more efficient means of using C5 and C6 sugars. Microbiogen has developed an enzyme that grows on xylose (C6) and ferments glucose, using natural breeding techniques, realizing the first non genetically-modied enzyme that can convert plant sugars into ethanol and other fuels and chemicals, while tolerating the “harsh industrial conditions”.

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