Researchers Produce Jet Fuel Compounds from Fungus

Washington State University researchers have found a way to make jet fuel from a fungus found in decaying leaves, soil and rotting fruit. They hope this leads to economical production of aviation biofuels in the next five years.

Researchers led by Birgitte Ahring, director and Battelle distinguished professor at WSU Tri-cities used Aspergillus carbonarius ITEM 5010 to create hydrocarbons, the chief component of petroleum and aviation fuels. The fungus produced the most hydrocarbons on a diet of oatmeal but also created them by eating wheat straw or the non-edible leftovers from corn production.

Fungi have been of interest for biofuels production as the source of enzymes for converting biomass to sugars. Using fungi for hydrocarbon and biofuels production is better since they do the work themselves, bypassing multiple chemical processes and is also relatively cheaper.

The researchers are now working to improve the fungi's production through genetic engineering.