Newswise — Fuel chemists and other scientists from across the United States and Europe will present the latest research toward developing viable, cost-effective and high-performing biofuels at the 231st national meeting of the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society. A special day-long symposium, "Biofuels for Transportation," will be held on Sunday, March 26, at the Georgia World Congress Center, Room C204. Below are highlights of two of the 14 presentations scheduled.

Genetic engineering could improve biofuel performance — Introduction of novel oil traits through genetic engineering is under investigation as a way to produce industrial products in oil seeds, such as soybean. It has been suggested that oil high in oleic acid and low in saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids can enhance overall performance. Researchers have identified what they term a "soybean event" that has about 85 percent oleic acid with a "concomitant reduction in both saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids." (FUEL 10; Thomas E. Clemente, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Sunday, March 26, 9:50 a.m.)

Reducing emissions still a challenge — One of the problems with introducing more biodiesel use for transportation is the observed increase in NOx (nitrogen oxides) emissions, compared to conventional diesel fuels derived from petroleum. Tests in a light-duty diesel engine of a hydrogenated biodiesel fuel with a higher percentage of oleic acid methyl ester and less linoleic and linolenic methyl esters demonstrated a decrease in NOx levels in some engine modes and an increase in other modes. (FUEL 14; André L. Boehman, The Energy Institute, Penn State University; Sunday, March 26, 11:40 a.m.)

The American Chemical Society — the world's largest scientific society — is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress and a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

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231st American Chemical Society National Meeting