Advanced Technologies

Genomics, Metablomics and Systems Biology

The Institute is a leader in advanced technologies to enhance the agronomic properties and productivity of plant feedstocks and to improve conversion efficiencies for bioenergy and biobased products production. Institute scientists champion the use of genomics, proteomics and metabolomics tools to discover the molecular basis for improving plants and microorganisms. These tools range from the use of DNA chips to monitor gene expression to mass spectrometric analysis of vast arrays of proteins and metabolites.

  1. Translational and Applied Genomics of Monocot Cell Wall Biosynthesis
  2. High-throughput Methods for Cell Wall Compositional Analysis and Methods for Determining Cell Wall Cross-linking
  3. Systems Biology of Plant Metabolism for Biorenewable Feedstocks
  4. Systems Biology of Microbial Metabolism for Biorenewable Feedstocks
  5. Dissecting Switchgrass Floral Induction and Development with Genome Arrays
  6. Materials Science for Biorenewables, Bioenergy and Biofuels Research

Plant Transformation

Plant transformation is an advanced technology in which scientists can introduce new traits in crop plants that may be important for bioenenergy production. The Institute conducts research relating to bioenergy in the following areas:

  1. Establishing Efficient and Reproducible Plant Regeneration and Genetic Transformation of Switchgrass, Miscanthus and Sweet Sorghum
  2. Engineering Switchgrass and Miscanthus for Improved Biofuel Production

Partnerships