Kang, Y. et al. Veterinary Sciences. 2022Colony of Rothia nasimurium, which converts fatty acids into hydrocarbonsKang, Y. et al. Veterinary Sciences. 2022
After three and a half years of work, a team from the Brazilian National Biorenewables Laboratory (LNBR) at the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) has identified an enzyme that could replace traditional catalysts used in thermochemical routes for aviation biokerosene production. Known as decarboxylase or OleTPRN, it comes from the bacteria Rothia nasimurium and converts fatty acids, essential components of fats, into a class of hydrocarbons called alkenes or olefins, an intermediary in the production of this type of fuel. This could allow hydrocarbons for aviation to be produced from oilseed plants, such as soybeans, macaw palm, or corn, or agricultural residues, such as sugarcane bagasse. “The versatility of this enzyme means it can be adapted for use in different sectors, such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and transport,” physicist Letícia Zanphorlin, who led the study, told Agência FAPESP (PNAS, May 22).
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