Research at APTI is Biolicious
Meet the first Bio-shirt winner! Sara from Applied Process Technology International (APTI) submitted the winning entry, Biolicious, and outfitted her lab in the new design (you too can be a biohero and win shirts for your lab).
Sigma Bio Blogs caught up with Sara to learn about her and the research that she finds Biolicious.
Tell us about the research conducted at APTI
At Applied Process Technology International, biology is all around us, including in the research and technology development we conduct to produce alternative energy.
In our laboratory, we conduct research and technology development on biomass feedstocks to determine the most efficient and effective methods to produce bio-based liquid transportation fuels. Some of the feedstocks we encounter include:
- Starch – corn, wheat, rye, barley, sorghum (milo), cassava (tapioca), and other grains
- Sugar – sugar cane, molasses, sweet sorghum
- Algae – wild and special-culture
- Waste – agricultural wastes, spent wash from paper pulp, etc.
Our efforts to date have focused primarily on bioethanol. However, we are steadily ramping up our research on conversion of biomass to higher-value specialty chemicals. These chemicals are produced biologically through a variety of microorganisms. Enzyme mixtures, heat, recycled liquid streams, and water are used to process the feedstocks into simple carbohydrates such as glucose and xylose. These carbohydrates are converted into the desired biofuel through the action of the specific microbe. Biofuel content, organic acid content, and residual carbohydrate content are monitored throughout the process in order to optimize the yield and evaluate for possible inhibitor compounds. Our bench testing and analytical results provide the basis for our engineers to design a process for pilot and demonstration systems as well as commercial production facilities.
What brought you to APTI? Where did your Bio begin?
My love of science, and chemistry in particular, started when I received my first chemistry set in the 8th grade, and I knew that I wanted to be a chemist from that point forward. I received my bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Bowling Green State University, in Ohio, in 2006. Shortly after graduating, I moved to Virginia and started working for the Delta-T Corporation as an analytical chemist, conducting research on feedstock alternatives to corn for conversion to fuel ethanol. I was fortunate enough to be able to continue working while pursuing my Master’s degree at the College of William and Mary in Virginia, and I completed my Master’s in chemistry in May 2010. My research thesis, “Processing and Conversion of Algae to Bioethanol,” was closely tied to research that we were conducting in the company as well. In January 2010, APTI purchased the assets of the Delta-T Corporation, and I have continued research on feedstocks, ethanol, and advanced biofuels for APTI since then.
Your excitement for scientific research is evident from your entry, Biolicious! What did your lab mates think of the winning t-shirt design?
My colleagues thought the shirts were awesome!
We have the picture to prove it.
Research is Biolicious for the team at APTI!
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