LYND LAB
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The research lab at Dartmouth led by Professor Lee Lynd engages in a range of research activities unified by the overarching goal of cost-effective production of cellulosic biofuels that benefit people and the environment. These activities draw from a diversity of academic disciplines, with molecular biology, microbiology, chemical/biochemical engineering providing the foundation for the first three. Consistent with the "Pasteur's Quadrant" model articulated by Donald Stokes (Brookings Institution Press, Washington, DC, 1997), we see advancing applied capability and increased fundamental understanding as convergent and mutually-reinforcing, and we aspire to work in this mode.
A central theme of the Lynd Lab is processing cellulosic biomass in a single step without added enzymes. Such "consolidated bioprocessing" (CBP) offers documented potential for transformative cost reductions. Although we are focused on production of ethanol, a promising renewable fuel, the CBP strategy is potentially applicable to a broad range of fuels and chemicals. Additionally, ethanol has strong potential as an intermediate for production of larger fuel molecules preferred for difficult-to-electrify heavy-duty transport modes.
Dr. Lynd is assisted in running the lab by management team members: Research Professor Dr. Dan Olson (Metabolic Engineering); and Research Scientists Dr. Evert Holwerda (Microbial Cellulose Utilization) and Dr. Mark Laser (Bioenergy Intensive Futures). The Lynd group includes post doctoral associates, graduate students, technicians, undergraduates, and, from time to time, visiting scientists. Our activities are enhanced by close collaborations with members of the DOE Center for Bioenergy Innovation and a growing network of colleagues around the world.
Contribution of double-cropped maize ethanol in Brazil to sustainable development
Abstract: We evaluate thefast-expanding food-energy system of double-cropped corn ethanol in theBrazilian Center-West region using a novel combination of environmental andsocio-economic models. Based on this comprehensive approach, we find that thissystem provides renewable and affordable energy (5 billion liters of ethanol,600 MWh of electrical power) and feed (4 thousand tonnes of distillers driedgrains), reduces greenhouse gas emissions (9.3 million to 13.2 million tons ofCO2e), saves land (160 thousand hectares), boosts regional income growth andconsumption (0.05% to 0.6% increase in household income), improves foodsecurity, and benefits ecosystems and human health.
Soil application ofhigh-lignin fermentation byproduct to increase the sustainability of liquidbiofuel production from crop residues
Abstract: When digestates fromanaerobic digestion of crop residues are added to soil, a considerable body ofinformation indicates that soil organic carbon (SOC) levels are comparable tothose when crop residues are left in the field. This occurs although the amountof digestate added to soil is diminished by digestion and implies thatdigestion increases the proportion of carbon inputs stabilized as SOC. Here weexamine the likelihood and implications of these features being manifested forsoil application of high lignin-fermentation byproduct (HLFB) from liquidbiofuel production.
“What is special about the lab is that while the core is research, Lee is also involved in many other activities that give people in the group access to broader perspectives.”
—Evert Holwerda, Research Scientist
