You are here

Efficient isomer-selective biosynthesis of pinene from cellulosic feedstocks

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Navy
Contract: N68335-11-C-0175
Agency Tracking Number: N10B-046-0004
Amount: $99,961.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: N10B-T046
Solicitation Number: 2010.B
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2010
Award Year: 2011
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2011-01-10
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
20 New England Business Center
Andover, MA 01810-1077
United States
DUNS: 073800062
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Anthony Ferrante
 Group Leader, Biological
 (978) 689-0003
 ferrante@psicorp.com
Business Contact
 B. Green
Title: President and CEO
Phone: (978) 689-0003
Email: green@psicorp.com
Research Institution
 University of Massachusetts
 Carol P Sprague
 
70 Butterfield Terrace
Amherst, MA 01003-9242
United States

 (413) 545-0698
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

There is a need to find more efficient methods for producing high-density, liquid, tactical fuels for use in missile propulsion or as components to improve key performance characteristics of currently available jet and diesel fuels. Generation of such fuels from renewable sources such as waste cellulose, grasses, waste agricultural material and forestry products will provide important national security benefits as compared with the use of raw petroleum products a large fraction of which are imported. In addition renewable feedstocks yield important environmental and potential cost benefits. PSI, in collaboration with Dr. Michael Henson's laboratory at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, proposes to develop an efficient process for bioconversion of cellulosic biomass to high purity alpha- or beta-pinene precursors for high-density, liquid tactical fuel. Our approach will yield high-purity alpha- or beta-pinene isomers in a scalable process. Phase I research will demonstrate proof-of-concept for development of bioengineered strains and fermentation processes for efficient production of beta-pinene from cellulosic materials without pretreatment. Phase II research will continue with additional genetic modification of the beta-pinene producing microbe with a goal of increasing efficiency of beta-pinene production and eliminating undesired products and will include scale-up for pilot production.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

US Flag An Official Website of the United States Government