Converting waste into biofuels

A video produced by the Life Science Association of Manitoba features University of Manitoba researchers Richard Sparling, department of microbiology and David Levin, department of biosystems engineering, who are co-leaders in a $10.4 million international collaboration looking for new ways to convert waste materials like wood chips and straw into biofuels and other products.

The project involves the conversion of non-food cellulose into ethanol and other co-products including biopolastics, using highly efficient bacteria in the fermentation process. These abundant, low-cost feedstocks (waste products) can be used in the production of commercially viable biofuels while not affecting feed/food supply and cost and will create value in agricultural waste products.

The four-year project is made possible through partnership with Genome Canada, Genome Prairie, the Province of Manitoba and numerous other research partners.

Watch the video.