A new study by researchers at the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) aims to elucidate and harness an unusual fatty acid biosynthetic pathway in seeds of Orychophragmus limprichtianus to expand the synthetic biology toolbox for plant/microbe-based bioproducts. This work reveals unprecedented evolutionary plasticity in plant lipid metabolism, breaking traditional boundaries of fatty acid engineering. The researchers successfully reconstructed this pathway in an engineered oilseed host, establishing a powerful synthetic biology toolkit to produce high-value oil. This work provides a scalable bio-based source for industrial lubricants, which can support the bioeconomy.

A recent Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) study explored the ability of perennial bioenergy crops to restore agricultural soils to pre-cultivation prairie conditions by comparing soil organic carbon under perennial bioenergy crops planted on former corn/soy fields to maize-based annual cropping and native prairie. Soil organic carbon increased in the first 5 years under mature bioenergy crops at four of seven sites.

Researchers at the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) assessed enzyme dosages of cellulase and hemicellulase on hydrothermally pretreated lignocellulosic substrates to maximize sugar and ethanol yields and improve cost analysis. Optimal enzyme dosages for the selected feedstocks were identified for both sugar release and ethanol yield. These enzyme dosages could improve the overall bioprocess economics of lignocellulosic biorefineries.

Thomas Jefferson University researchers identify promising strategy to preserve spinal discs before irreversible damage occurs.

A catchment area survey shows that people affected by many adverse factors are less likely to seek cancer screenings or treatment.

Researchers at the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) assessed the distribution and assimilation of ¹³C-labeled simple carbon in meter-deep pits under mature perennial miscanthus stands. This work suggests that depth gradients in soil C stocks represent a balance between inputs, decomposition, and microbial necromass production and that increase in root C inputs by deep-rooted plants may have the potential to build stable MAOC.

Thomas Jefferson University researchers identify strategy to eliminate leukemia stem cells