DSM predicted to launch new family of cellulosic ethanol

Biofuels Digest
June 27, 2010 Jim Lane

In Washington, a report in the Financial Times predicted that DSM will launch a new family of cellulosic ethanol enzymes at the 2010 BIO convention in DC. According to the FT report, the enzymes will be able to ferment C5 as well as C6 sugars and will be able to tolerate temperatures of up to 65 degrees Celsius, providing for much higher conversion efficiencies as well as lower energy inputs. The company developed the enzymes from a fungus discovered in decomposing compost, which has developed a degree of heat tolerance. Both Novozymes and Genencor have released new enzyme families this year as competition continues to “heat up” in ethanol fermentation. DSM is projecting a multi-billion dollar market for enzymes for advanced biofuels.

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