Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
| Photo Credit: file photo

Researchers at the Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry (IPC), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), have developed an enzymatic platform that can efficiently transform naturally abundant and inexpensive fatty acids to valuable hydrocarbons called 1-alkenes, which are promising biofuels.

According to IISc, given the finite availability and polluting nature of fossil fuels, scientists are increasingly exploring sustainable fuel pathways that involve compounds called hydrocarbons.

Potential for drop-in biofuel

“They show great potential as drop-in biofuels, which can be blended and used with existing fuels and infrastructure. These hydrocarbons can potentially be synthesised on a large scale using microorganism factories. Enzymes that help mass-produce these hydrocarbons are, therefore, highly sought after. Hydrocarbons are also widely used in polymer, detergent and lubricant industries,” IISc said

In a previous study, the IISc team purified and characterised an enzyme called UndB, bound to the membranes of living cells, especially certain bacteria. It can convert fatty acids to 1-alkenes at the fastest rate currently possible. However, the team found that the process was not very efficient – the enzyme would become inactivated after just a few cycles. When they investigated further, they realised that H2O2 – a byproduct of the reaction process – was inhibiting UndB.

In the current study published in Science Advances, the team circumvented this challenge by adding another enzyme called catalase to the reaction mix. “The catalase degrades the H2O2 that is produced. Adding catalase enhanced the activity of the enzyme 19-fold, from 14 to 265 turnovers (turnover indicates the number of active cycles an enzyme completes before getting inactivated),” Tabish Iqbal, first author of the study and PhD student at IPC.

Artificial fusion protein

The team decided to create an artificial fusion protein combining UndB with catalase by introducing a fused genetic code via carriers called plasmids into E. coli bacteria. Given the right conditions, these E. coli would then act as a whole-cell biocatalyst, converting fatty acids and churning out alkenes.

The team found that their biocatalyst could convert a wide range of fatty acids containing different types of carbon chains to 1-alkene. They also showed that the biocatalyst can produce styrene, an essential commodity in chemical and polymer industries.

The team has applied for a patent for its engineered protein and whole-cell biocatalyst. It is also looking for industry collaborators to scale up the platform for mass production.

New Delhi:

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, in an exclusive interview with NDTV, spoke about the importance of biofuels in reducing world pollution and making India a carbon-neutral nation.

The Global Biofuels Alliance was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 18th G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi yesterday. PM Modi called on countries to join the initiative and set a global target of blending 20% ethanol with petrol.

“The Biofuels Alliance is a historic event that will help us reduce world pollution in a major way,” Mr Gadkari said. “Using ethanol in petrol is a major achievement, and it will be especially helpful for farmers, who can now sell their surplus crop to fuel stations.”

India is increasing its ability to produce biofuels, a renewable energy source derived from organic matter. The country imports more than 85% of its crude oil requirements, so it is looking to reduce its reliance on imported oil by producing biofuels from domestic sources.

The Alliance aims to secure the supply of biofuels, ensure their affordability, and promote sustainable production.

Mr Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, also spoke about the importance of green hydrogen in India’s future. 

“Green hydrogen is a futuristic vision for India,” he said. “It has the potential to make our automobile sector the number one in the world.”

In 2009, developed countries pledged to provide $100 billion per year by 2020 to help developing countries combat climate change. However, this never materialised. The Biofuel Alliance being agreed when the G20 presidency is with India, the world’s third-largest oil consumer, is therefore seen as a landmark moment for the country that is being hailed as the voice of the Global South.

“The Biofuel Alliance is a win-win situation for Atmanirbhar Bharat. It will help to reduce air pollution, create jobs, and make India a leader in the production and use of biofuels. The alliance is also aligned with India’s goal of becoming a carbon-neutral country by 2070,” Mr. Gadkari told NDTV.

The launch of the alliance coincides with India, the United States, and several major economies announcing an ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. 

The initiative, seen by many as a potential alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, was jointly announced by PM Modi and the leaders of the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

Once completed, the project can serve as a modern-day Silk Road that functioned as the central trade route facilitating economic partnerships, political alliances, and cultural integration across continents.