New Cellobiohydrolase from Marine Animal

Simon McQueen-Mason, from the University of York, UK, and a team of researchers identified a novel glycoside hydrolase (GH) enzyme—a GH7 cellobiohydrolase—in an animal species, the marine wood borer Limnoria quadripunctata. They describe the in vivo spatial expression distribution, properties, and structure of the enzyme, its role in wood degradation, and their work to produce recombinant enyme and high-resolution crystal structures in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. They demonstrate that the stability and activity of the enzyme do not change or increase at high salt concentrations and report that the marine animal's GH mixture typically contains cellulolytic enzymes with increased acidic surface charge compared to the enzyme mixture derived from terrestrial microbes, implying their potential for use in high-solids industrial biomass conversion processes.

Support for GM Crops among UK Farmers

According to a Farmers Weekly survey from Barclays (London, UK), 61% of 625 independent farmers in the UK surveyed would grow genetically modified (GM) crops if it were legal to do so. In contrast, a survey of more than 2,000 consumers in the UK shows that only 21% are in favor of GM food. Barclays reported that 47% of UK farmers feel GM crops are a good innovation and should be used to maximize agricultural output and profitability. When asked to identify the main advantages of GM crops, 19% pointed to their reduced environmental impact, and 16% said they would put farmers on a level playing field with those overseas already growing GM crops. Among the consumers surveyed, 30% of younger people (ages 18–24 years) were against government promotion of GM technology in the UK, a view shared by 48% of older respondents (ages 40–59 years).

Commercial-Scale Jet Fuel Agreement

United Airlines (Chicago, IL) signed a purchase agreement with AltAir Fuels (Seattle, WA) for advanced biofuels at commercial scale. United has agreed to buy 15 million gallons of lower-carbon, renewable jet fuel over a 3-year period, with the option to purchase additional amounts, at a price that is competitive with traditional, petroleum-based jet fuel. As a result AltAir will retrofit part of an existing petroleum refinery to become a 30 million gallon, advanced biofuel refinery near Los Angeles, CA, for the production of low-carbon, renewable jet fuel and other renewable products from non-edible natural oils and agricultural waste. AltAir expects to begin delivering 5 million gallons of renewable jet fuel per year to United beginning in 2014, which United will use on flights originating from its Los Angeles hub. AltAir is using process technology developed by Honeywell UOP to retrofit the existing refinery to be capable of in-line production of both renewable jet and diesel fuels.