HOME > Research > Biomass Resources
[1] Biomass Resources （collaborated closely with： RIKEN Biomass Engineering Program）
Research Engine “Biomass Resources” has developed technologies that integrate the increased production of biomass from plants and its utilization. Several target biomass are selected and engineered, including soft-biomass with less rignin, energy crops with high cellulose concentration and high growth, and broad-leaf plant applicable to large-scale production. The originality and feasibility of this research engine “Biomass Resouces” is significantly high, due to the integration of knowledge and technologies between Agriculture and Engineering in Kobe University.
[2] Pre-treatment
（collaborated closely with： Bio-energy Corporation, Gekkeikan Sake Company, Ltd., Nagase & Co., LTD., NIPPON PAPER INDUSTRIES CO., LTD., and Soring-8 in Hyogo）
Research Engine “Pre-treatment” has developed technologies allowing efficient liquefaction of biomass and mass production of cellulases. Cellulosic biomass has complicated and strong structure, hence a little amount of cellulases are required to liquefy after physical- and/or chemical treatment. We have developed several kinds of pre-treatment method, such as hydrothermal treatment, alkaline treatment, ionic liquid treatment. Pre-treatment efficiency depends on the target biomass and appropriate treatment should be performed. As a basic platform, analysis of biomass structure in the molecular levels using Spring-8, a large synchrotron radiation facility currently available. In addition, cellulase production has been developed using Aspergillus sp. and/or Stretomyces sp., for the efficient liquiefaction with a synergy of cell factories.
