Top Stories
NCERC, Valerian Materials, and Scientific Bioprocessing Partner to Advance Novel Biobased Products
Through funding provided by BioMADE, NCERC, Valerian Materials, the University of Minnesota, and Scientific Bioprocessing Inc. (SBI) have partnered to perform research and development on novel sustainable materials solutions.

Launched in 2021, BioMADE is the most-recently established Manufacturing Innovation Institute. By supporting the development of biomanufacturing technologies, BioMADE and its network of 150+ members are strengthening American competitiveness, creating a more resilient supply chain, and helping the U.S. becoming more self-sufficient. This project is one of several being funded by BioMADE as part of its mission to secure America’s future through bioindustrial manufacturing innovation, education, and collaboration.

“Projects like this are a perfect example of the research we do in the bioproducts space,” said John Caupert, NCERC executive director. “Creating value for our partners who are scaling up novel biotechnologies is what we do best and we’re eager to be part of this next generation of bioproducts. We are excited about this new partnership and to be working with a dynamic group of researchers with similar missions in mind. This is our second BioMADE-funded project and we are extremely appreciative of their ongoing generosity and support of NCERC.”

Valerian Materials, an emerging company focusing on the development of bio-derived, recyclable, and sustainable polymers, will lead the partnership that will optimize and scale the production of betamethylvalerolactone (BMVL), a bio-based molecule with potential to be converted into several different types of polymeric materials and products. The fermentation and downstream processing will be performed at NCERC, a globally-recognized research institution dedicated to the commercialization of biobased fuels and products. Scientific Bioprocessing Inc., a leading-edge instrumentation company focused on connecting sensor technology to data analytics, will work in tandem with NCERC to provide equipment and expertise related to fermentation monitoring, analysis and control.
Research Team Participates in SIUC Hemp Symposium
In September, NCERC's research team, consisting of Drs. Yan Zhang, Jie Dong, and Mingjun Ma, participated in series of hemp-focused events at the SIUC Hemp Symposium. These visits included a meeting with Dr. Carla Gage at her USDA-sponsored hemp plot, where they discussed further collaboration and exploration of converting various fractions of the duel-purpose plant to biofuel.

On Friday, September 16, they met with multiple members of the SIUC faculty to learn about their research and discuss opportunities for future research and collaboration.

The next day, NCERC showcased its research at an exhibit and was one of ten booths featuring services and research opportunities related to hemp.
NCERC team at the McLafferty Annex
NCERC Booth at Hemp Symposium
Hayes Participates in Growth Energy Biofuels Summit + Hill Meetings
After a two-year hiatus due to COVID restrictions, the Growth Energy Biofuels Summit was held the week of September 12 and included dozens of participants from across the country who met with several elected officials on Capitol Hill.

NCERC Director of Business Development Jackie Hayes participated in these meetings with a team of ethanol industry members from Illinois and met with eight members of congress or their staff over the span of two days.

During their meetings, they highlighted high-priority topics of the biofuels industry, including the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Set, and multiple bills that would enable high blends of ethanol, including policies that would enable the use of the GREET model, establish year-round E15, and support the Next Generation Fuels Act.

Picture (Right): Team Illinois with Congresswoman Cheri Bustos.
Team Illinois with Congressman Raja
Krishnamoorthi
Team Illinois with Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky
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Research Updates
Aquaculture
NCERC's research team has been working on an in-situ fermentation of corn kernel fiber with intentions to produce high-protein DDGS for use in an aquaculture feeding trial. The early results of this study were showcased at the 2021 FEW and a new round of results will be showcased at the 2022 FEW. This project is in partnership with the University of Idaho's Aquaculture Research Institute.

MSW to Biofuel Conversion
Through funding provided by SIUE's Transitional & Exploratory Projects (STEP) grant program, NCERC will continue our research on the conversion of municipal solid waste (MSW), waste that comes from both residential and commercial sources, to biofuel. Ajay Venigalla, the student who lead this research over the last academic year, prepared this project for scale-up under the guidance of Dr. Yan Zhang. This work will continue when the NCERC research team has time in between contractual research projects. A special thanks to Waste Connections for providing quarterly samples of MSW!
Connections & Visits
SIUE Staff Senate Meeting
SIUE
September 1

Growth Energy Biofuels Summit
Washington, DC
September 12-15

Danforth Center's Party with the Plants
St. Louis, MO
September 23

Renewable Fuels Association Annual Meeting
Milwaukee, MN
September 27-29

Young Professionals Network Breakfast
Milwaukee, MN
September 28
Upcoming Meetings
NCERC Annual Meeting
Edwardsville, IL
October 6

Fuel Ethanol Laboratory Conference
Omaha, NE
October 4-5

Export Exchange
Minneapolis, MN
October 12-14

Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference
San Francisco, CA
October 26-28
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