Microbial Biodiesel from Waste Products

This research focuses on the production of low-cost microbial biodiesel from organic and food waste streams. Currently in India, such biodegradable waste streams either accumulate in landfills, releasing harmful greenhouse gases like methane, or lie on the roadsides or other trash dumps, ultimately turning into a hub for infectious diseases.

With waste production in India set to grow an astonishing 200% by 2025, quick and urgent measures are needed to effectively manage and process the waste being generated. Our technology aims to convert the complex carbon in the waste streams into high-energy fuel molecules such as biodiesel, which can be used as blends with diesel in current diesel engines. A continuous and sustainable supply of eco-friendly transportation fuel would go a long way to creating a greener environment as well as reducing the dependence on foreign oil.