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The technique exacerbates the production of ethanol from algae, which can then be mixed with gasoline. According to Algenol, the Direct to Ethanol© process links sugar production to photosynthesis with enzymes within individual algae cells. The enzymes are naturally occurring and are the same as those used to produce bread, beer and wine, thus pose no known risks to humans.
“Most algae have a really tiny ability to make ethanol, and we’ve enhanced it greatly,” Algenol’s CEO Paul Woods told Cnet. “We take in sunlight, massive amounts of carbon dioxide, and we grow (algae) in what look like a huge soda bottle on its side.”