To increase isoprene (jet fuel precursor), enzyme-based metabolic engineering strategies for enhancing isoprene production in cyanobacteria have been identified, and an approach for integrating transcription regulatory networks with genomescale models for cyanobacteria has been developed. A productivity of >50 mg isoprene L-1 day-1 has been demonstrated at lab scale (TRL 4). In parallel, three types of CO2 streams have been identified: one from a gas turbine (3–4% CO2), one from an engine (6–8% CO2), and one from a boiler (8–10% CO2).
A preliminary biorefinery concept has been developed for the valorisation of lipids, proteins and dyes and cell debris from cyanobacteria. A protocol to open up the cell was developed. Supercritical CO2 methodology was optimized for lipids extraction from wildtype cyanobacteria achieving lipid recovery of 57 %. Glucose extraction from wildtype cyanobacteria was studied to achieve glucose recovery of ≥90 %. Metabolic models were developed to predict strategies for glucose-based mixotrophic growth and H2 production.
Isoprene is converted to jet fuels molecules via a photochemical approach leading to kerosene-type C10 hydrocarbons after hydrogenation. We have identified the most suitable photocatalyst for this process which enables us to take a step forward towards the technological realization of the photochemical isoprene dimerization at pilot scale. The semiconductor quantum dot (QDs) and a homogeneous organic photocatalyst (a carbonyl-based catalyst such as dinaphtylmethanone) showed high activity for photodimerisation.
To design a PBR tailor-made for isoprene production, two main designs are considered, flat panel or annular reactors. Based on experiments in WP1 and WP6, F&M and UNIFI, design an innovative annular column PBR especially designed for isoprene production. Three PBRs of 2,5 L are now under construction.
A modular LCA framework tailored to the ALFAFUELS system (M8.1) has been developed, and the first and second versions of the ALFAFUELS life cycle inventory data model have been completed. The 2nd version has been uploaded in the collaborative space and has been delivered as milestone (M8.2).
We have delivered a strong project identity, high-quality promotional materials, active online channels, and wide visibility through media, and scientific publications. We established the exploitation and IPR framework, validated Key Exploitable Results, and initiated Horizon Results Booster services.
