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Magnets Can Boost Production Of Ethanol For Fuel
:: 12 September, 2007
In a finding that could reduce the cost of ethanol fuel, researchers in
Brazil report success in using low frequency magnetic waves to significantly
boost the amount of ethanol produced through the fermentation of sugar.
While bioethanol (ethanol produced from corn and other plants) is a promising
alternative to fossil fuels, it currently is expensive and inefficient to make.
An intensive research effort now is underway to improve production methods for
this biofuel, which is expected to be the cornerstone of the renewable fuel
industry.
In a new study, Victor Perez and colleagues showed that yeast-based
fermentation of sugar cane -- the main source of bioethanol in Brazil -- in the
presence of extremely low frequency magnetic waves boosted ethanol production by
17 percent. The scientists also showed that ethanol production was faster,
taking two hours less than standard fermentation methods.
"The results presented in this report suggest that an extremely low frequency
magnetic field induces alterations in ethanol production by S. cervisiae [yeast]
and that the magnetic field treatment can be easily implemented at an industrial
scale," the article states.
Article: "Bioreactor Coupled with Electromagnetic Field Generator: Effects of
Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Ethanol
Production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae" ACS' Biotechnology Progress, October
5, 2007.
Release link: http://www.sciencedaily.com
Tags: Ethanol For Fuel , Boost Production , Magnets Can Boost Production , Electromagnetic Field Generator , Biotechnology Progress , ethanol fuel , magnetic waves ,
