Products & Processes
Agrivida Products & Processes
Agrivida is developing both seeds engineered with pretreatment and cellulose-degrading traits, and processing techniques for activating the plants' cell wall-degrading enzymes in industrial and agricultural processes. The company's most advanced product in development is engineered corn for lignocellulosic conversion of corn stover and cobs into sugar. Energy crops such as switchgrass and sorghum are also being developed for use as dedicated feedstocks. Programs for sugarcane bagasse and woody perennials are in earlier stages of development.
Corn Stover:
In the U.S., 80–100 million acres of corn are planted annually, generating an estimated 160–250 million dry tons of corn stover that is available for processing. Currently, corn stover is not used for the production of biofuels or bioproducts. This feedstock has potential to yield more than eight billion gallons, and potentially as much as 25 billion gallons, of cellulosic biofuels or chemicals.
Sorghum:
Currently, sorghum is grown on eight million acres in the U.S. The crop has the potential to generate high yields of biofuels and chemicals based on use of cellulosic material, grain, and plant-produced sucrose.
Sugarcane:
The major producer of sugarcane is Brazil, where 17 million acres are harvested annually. The potential of sugarcane bagasse is based on its high yield of sugars.
Switchgrass:
Switchgrass has long-term potential based on its yield, low water requirements, and the fact that it is a perennial plant. Along with sorghum, switchgrass acreages could be significantly expanded within the U.S. and abroad.
Agrivida is developing both seeds engineered with pretreatment and cellulose-degrading traits, and processing techniques for activating the plants' cell wall-degrading enzymes in industrial and agricultural processes. The company's most advanced product in development is engineered corn for lignocellulosic conversion of corn stover and cobs into sugar. Energy crops such as switchgrass and sorghum are also being developed for use as dedicated feedstocks. Programs for sugarcane bagasse and woody perennials are in earlier stages of development.
Corn Stover:
In the U.S., 80–100 million acres of corn are planted annually, generating an estimated 160–250 million dry tons of corn stover that is available for processing. Currently, corn stover is not used for the production of biofuels or bioproducts. This feedstock has potential to yield more than eight billion gallons, and potentially as much as 25 billion gallons, of cellulosic biofuels or chemicals.
Sorghum:
Currently, sorghum is grown on eight million acres in the U.S. The crop has the potential to generate high yields of biofuels and chemicals based on use of cellulosic material, grain, and plant-produced sucrose.
Sugarcane:
The major producer of sugarcane is Brazil, where 17 million acres are harvested annually. The potential of sugarcane bagasse is based on its high yield of sugars.
Switchgrass:
Switchgrass has long-term potential based on its yield, low water requirements, and the fact that it is a perennial plant. Along with sorghum, switchgrass acreages could be significantly expanded within the U.S. and abroad.