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Latest Innovations
Methods for Simultaneous Sugar Utilization in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Dr. Yong Su Jin from the University of IL has engineered new Saccharomyces strains to bypass the preferential consumption of glucose. These strains allow... Read More Dr. Yong Su Jin from the University of IL has engineered new Saccharomyces strains to bypass the preferential consumption of glucose. These strains allow simultaneous conversion of a variety of sugars into ethanol. Normally, sugars like xylose and galactose are not metabolized until glucose reserves have been exhausted. The invention allows for simultaneous conversion of multiple carbon sources and thereby makes for more efficient ethanol production.
Non-Aqueous Li-Air Flow Battery Dr. Kenis from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a non-aqueous lithium-air flow battery configuration that allows for... Read More Dr. Kenis from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a non-aqueous lithium-air flow battery configuration that allows for efficient removal and storage of discharge products. This technology has applications in energy storage, particularly in the electric vehicle market due to its improved current density and discharge capacity. In comparison to traditional Li-ion batteries, the Li-air battery is lighter and has a higher practical energy density. This technology helps to overcome the buildup of discharge products. Related Publications: “Non-Aqueous Li-Air Flow Battery: Improving Capacity and Current Density through Cathode Optimization” Abstract MA2016-02 867: September 2016
Genome-Scale Method for Precision Engineering of Yeast Strains Dr. Zhao from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a novel method for genome-scale precise deletions in yeast. This technology allows the... Read More Dr. Zhao from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a novel method for genome-scale precise deletions in yeast. This technology allows the identification of novel factors related to survival in harsh conditions. Utilizing this technology will allow the generation of novel strains more suited to industrial applications. Compared to current strategies which are time consuming, Dr. Zhao’s technology allows the creation of new strains in a month while allowing multiple cycles of adaptation through deletions to occur.
SolvSEM: New Solid Electrolytes for Lithium Batteries with Improved Performance and Processability Prof. Andrew Gewirth from the University of Illinois has developed a new technology which improves the safety, stability and processability of solid state batteries.... Read More Prof. Andrew Gewirth from the University of Illinois has developed a new technology which improves the safety, stability and processability of solid state batteries. Commercial liquid electrolytes (LEs) pose a fire and explosion hazard in lithium metal batteries due to the possibility of thermal runaway reactions. Solid electrolytes (SEs) have become a practical option for lithium ion and lithium metal batteries due to their improved safety over commercially available ionic liquids. However, current SE technologies suffer from poor stability and are difficult to process. Prof. Gewirth’s invention enhances the ease of processability of electrolytes for lithium metal batteries, increases the mechanical stability of the electrolyte, reduces the overall cost of the cell, and reduces the overall cell resistance. SolvSEM has a lower overall cell resistance than its bare pellet counterpart Stable over 100 cycles \| Current density x10 higher than pellet counterpart
Plant SWEET and Yeast MSF Transporter Capable of Transporting Difference Sugars Simultaneously Dr. Jin from the University of Illinois has developed a strain of yeast for enhanced biofuel production. Dr. Jin’s yeast expresses specific transporters which enable... Read More Dr. Jin from the University of Illinois has developed a strain of yeast for enhanced biofuel production. Dr. Jin’s yeast expresses specific transporters which enable simultaneous use of glucose and xylose. Co-fermentation can reduce the amount of time needed for fermentation in the biofuel production process.