Putting the 'bio' in biofuel composition

Biofuel composition could, in the future, rely as much on bioengineered molecules as on the biomass that provides its energy source.

The University of Washington is increasing its efforts to use innovative molecules hand-built by scientists to solve problems in a range of disciplines.

In health, novel methods of drug delivery are being investigated, using custom-made molecules to control how and where in the body medicines are released.

Meanwhile, in energy, molecules designed to optimise biofuel composition and reduce the energy demands of creating the fuel itself could be created.

"New molecular processes will turn logging wastes and algae into inexpensive, widely used renewable energy resources for transportation," the university says.

Pat Stayton, professor of bioengineering at the academic institution, has been announced as its first director of the newly built Molecular Engineering and Science Institute.

This provides a central location for the university's research into biotechnology and clean energy, with clusters of scientists due to be created in those fields in the coming year.