Biotech Updates

Study on Tequila Leaves as Ethanol Source Advances

November 27, 2013
News article: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-21/nrn-tequila-enthanol/5107664

In Australia, researchers have finished determining the sugar content of the leaves of agave, also known as tequila plant, moving closer to the next step - finding a way to convert the plant material into biofuel.

Central Queensland University researchers have found the tequila leaves to have strong potential as bio-ethanol source. In Mexico, the stem of the tequila plant is used to produce alcohol worth up to $200 a liter and the leaves are just left on the ground as mulch. The Australian team is currently working toward the development of a technology for converting the tequila leaves into bio-ethanol.