Discover potential biofuels

Strange compounds found in Euonymus alatus , also known as "glowing shrubs", can make new advances in biofuels and low calorie food oils.

The results of a recent study at the University of Michigan (MSU) showed that the white emulsion inside Euonymus alatus produces acetyl triacylglycerols (acTAGs), a high-value oil, while the orange tissue around the grain Out normal vegetable oil.

Close-up of Euonymus alatus county with valuable white emulsion

The MSU team has identified the "host" gene that produces high quality oil in Euonymus alatus. This gene encodes an enzyme, which produces large amounts of unusual compounds that are acetyl glycerides (acTAGs). The oil created by this shrub has unique characteristics and values.

One of the advantages of this new compound is its low viscosity.

Timothy Durret, plant biologist of MSU, the study's lead author explains: 'The high viscosity of vegetable oils makes it impossible to directly use in diesel technology, forcing them to convert into biodiesel. Our research has demonstrated that acTAGs have lower viscosity than other vegetable oils. Because of this characteristic, they can be used directly as a biofuel in many diesel engines. Besides, acTAGS is also lower in calories than other vegetable oils, so it can also be used as an alternative oil to reduce calorie in foods'.

Euonymus alatus is an early deciduous shrub native to East Asia, in Central and North China, Japan and South Korea. It grows to 2.5m high, its body is large. Flowers are green, blooming during spring time. The name 'glowing shrub' comes from bright red leaves in autumn. This is a popular ornamental plant in gardens, parks due to bright fruits, pink or orange, vivid colors when collected.

Source: Science Daily