Researchers Produce Jet Fuel Compounds from Fungus

Washington State University researchers have found a way to make jet fuel from a common black fungus found in decaying leaves, soil and rotting fruit. Researchers hope the process leads to economically viable production of aviation biofuels.

Researchers, led by Birgitte Ahring, director and Battelle distinguished professor of the Bioproducts, Sciences and Engineering Laboratory, used Aspergillus carbonarius ITEM 5010 to create hydrocarbons, the chief component of petroleum. The fungus produced the most hydrocarbons on a diet of oatmeal but also created them by consuming wheat straw or the non-edible leftovers from corn production.

Using fungi for hydrocarbon and biofuels production is better than other methods because they do the work themselves, bypassing multiple complicated chemical processes required by other biofuel production methods. Fungi also have great potential to create the fuel at low cost, Ahring said.