Synthetic Biology in Aviation Fuel

As the aviation industry grapples with the urgent need to reduce its environmental impact, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has emerged as a game-changing solution. Derived from renewable sources like waste oils, agricultural residues, and algae, SAF promises to revolutionize air travel and significantly cut carbon emissions. With the aviation sector responsible for a substantial share of global CO2 emissions, the push for SAF is gaining momentum, offering a brighter, greener future for air travel.

The Challenge: Supply and Demand

Despite the promise of SAF, scaling production remains a significant hurdle. “Supply and demand are the #1 challenge for SAF, and manufacturers will need to increase production by 9000% to hit 3 billion gallons of SAF by 2030, U.S. President Joe Biden’s proposed target.” This ambitious goal underscores the urgent need for innovation and investment in SAF production technologies.

Engineering Biology to Combat Climate Change

A new, affordable fuel produced by bacteria has the potential to reduce aviation emissions and combat climate change. Although previous attempts at microbial fuels failed commercially, recent advancements in genetic engineering and increased climate financing might lead to successful new ventures. Brazilian scientists at the Biorenewables National Laboratory have discovered the deoxygenating enzyme OleTPRN, which could revolutionize SAF production by converting various biomass types into hydrocarbons.

Innovative Companies Leading the Way

Several companies are pioneering the development of SAF through synthetic biology:

• SynBioBlox: This Canadian startup has engineered living cells to convert greenhouse gases into useful products like sustainable jet fuel.
• Visolis: By developing an engineered microbe to ferment biomass waste into mevalonic acid, Visolis is creating a bio-based intermediate for SAF production. Their partnership with Ginkgo and investment from Zeon Ventures aims to scale up this technology.
• Global Bioenergies: This company has reprogrammed bacteria to convert sugars into isobutene, a process that saves two tonnes of CO2 per tonne of isobutene produced. Partnering with SkyNRG, they are accelerating the commercialization of isobutene-based SAF.

Collaborative Efforts and Government Support

Partnerships and government initiatives are crucial for the successful integration of SAF into mainstream aviation. Research project led by The University of Alabama and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, funded $2.5 million grant by the U.S. Department of Energy, is developing a catalyst to convert ethanol into butene, which can be further refined into aviation fuel identical to the current crude oil-derived variety. Additionally, LanzaJet has opened an Ethanol to Drop-in SAF facility to scale production using sustainable feedstocks.

What the synthetic biology community aims to achieve is a revolutionary approach to how chemicals are produced and reach the market. This revolution cannot happen without a supportive ecosystem. Successful partnerships can make the difference between a startup's success and failure, requiring entrepreneurs to deeply understand the needs of suppliers, customers, and end users.

The future of SAF is bright, with continued innovation, collaboration, and policy support driving the transition to a more sustainable aviation industry. With concerted efforts from all stakeholders, SAF has the potential to become a mainstream aviation fuel, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of air travel and contributing to a more sustainable future for generations to come.