E. coli – from bacteria to future energy

A group of Californian scientists from Berkley University have succeeded in creating a culture of e-coli bacteria – the most common bacteria infesting the human intestines - able to generate alcohol with 5 carbon atoms in each of its molecules compared to the only two generated by ethanol. The scientists speculated that in the very near future the possibility of creating molecules with 8 carbon atoms based on the same bacteria will mean a step forward in generating sustainable energy sources.
The longer molecules contain more energy, this being the target of the fuel industry and their energy efficiency becomes very important for slowing down the global warming. E. coli, found in dangerous quantities on the polluted beaches can be modified so each of its cells will generate this type of alcohol. The resulted engineered bacteria will produce a fuel that can be mainly used in aviation.
The authors of the study added that their method can be used on several organisms and serve other purposes and industries; the pharmaceutical one being the most likely to use it.
The study describes the modality in which these bacteria can be genetically modified so they would secrete their enzymes allowing them to produce a type of vegetal biomass very similar to the one produced by the human intestines- their initial point of origin.
Jay Keasling and his team of researchers believe that this method will significantly contribute to the final objective of producing fuel and future energy.
The technology necessitates the use of these bacteria in combination with certain chemical substances in residual environments in which E.coli can freely multiply with the purpose of generating lager quantities of biogas and by this producing energy with a very low production cost.
The technology will smooth the way towards a greener and more energy efficient future creating the opportunity for turning a dangerous organism into a viable source of green energy.