We all know that money doesn’t grow on trees, but now it seems that diesel fuel just might! According to Guardian.co.uk, scientists have discovered a fungus in the Patagonian rain forest that "naturally produces a mixture of chemicals that is remarkably similar to diesel." These chemicals are reportedly "virtually identical" to fuel grade compounds currently found in fossil fuels.
Although other organisms, such as algae, are already known to have the capability to produce fuel-like chemicals, this fungus is the only one known to produce hydrocarbons of this nature.
"This is the only organism that has ever been shown to produce such an important combination of fuel substances," said Gary Strobel, a plant scientist from Montana State University who led the work. "We were totally surprised to learn that it was making a plethora of hydrocarbons."
Yes! A plethora, no less! In fact, the chemical mix is so similar to conventional fossil fuel that Mr. Strobel dubbed the mixture "Myco-diesel".
If a process can be developed to grow the fungus and extract the "myco-diesel" on a commercial scale, this discovery could lead to another piece of the alternative fuel technology puzzle.
Fuel That Grows on Trees
Myco Diesel Made of Fungus
Trend Themes
1. Alternative Fuel Production - The discovery of a fungus that produces chemicals similar to diesel fuel opens up opportunities for alternative fuel production using natural organisms.
2. Sustainable Energy Solutions - The development of a process to grow and extract myco-diesel could contribute to the creation of sustainable energy solutions.
3. Biochemical Innovation - The fungus's ability to produce a wide range of hydrocarbons presents opportunities for innovation in biochemical production.
Industry Implications
1. Biofuel - The biofuel industry can explore the use of the fungus to produce diesel-like chemicals for fuel production.
2. Renewable Energy - The renewable energy industry can benefit from harnessing myco-diesel as a source of sustainable fuel.
3. Chemical Manufacturing - Chemical manufacturers can leverage the discovery to develop new processes for producing hydrocarbons and biofuels.