Renewable energy: Owolabi proffers conversion of agricultural waste into biofuel

A Nigerian scientist living in the diaspora, Mr. Yusuf Owolabi, an MSc holder and a graduate from the University of Chester, United Kingdom, UK, has harped on the need to bolster renewable energy in Nigeria through the exploration of the potential of biobutanol, a biofuel derived from agricultural waste.

Yusuf Owolabi, noted that as the demand for sustainable energy solutions goes on the ascendancy, especially in countries that are developing like Nigeria, one promising solution is biobutanol, a biofuel that is obtained from agricultural waste.

Yusuf Owolabi made giant strides in exploring the potential of biobutanol as a renewable energy source through his published review article titled “Can Microorganisms Produce Biobutanol after Agricultural Wastes Pretreatment.?”

In his review, published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biological Science Archive on December 2, 2024, Owolabi investigated the environmental challenges associated with traditional fossil fuels and explored biobutanol as a viable alternative.

According to Yusuf Owolabi, “Compared to bioethanol, biobutanol offers several advantages, including higher energy density and cleaner combustion.

“However, a major hurdle remains: the toxicity of biobutanol to the microorganisms used in its production, which reduces overall efficiency.”

In his review, Owolabi proposed innovative solutions, such as: Gas stripping recovery systems to enhance biobutanol yield while addressing the limitations caused by those toxic by-products.

His research focuses on the use of agricultural waste, particularly lignocellulosic biomass, as a feedstock for biobutanol production.

He emphasized on the need for effective pre-treatment methods to break down the complex structures of those agricultural residues, making the sugars more accessible for microbial fermentation.

His review highlighted various pre-treatment techniques, including mechanical, chemical, and microbiological methods, while addressing the trade-offs associated with each approach.

Through his work at the University of Chester, Yusuf Owolabi had contributed to the growing body of research on second-generation biofuels.

“These biofuels, such as biobutanol, are derived from non-edible biomass, such as agricultural waste, and present a promising solution for sustainable energy production,” he said.

Owolabi research advocates for further exploration of microbial fermentation methods and the use of genetically engineered microorganisms to enhance biobutanol production.

Besides, Owolabi talked about the potential of advanced techniques, such as; enzyme-mediated detoxification, to mitigate the negative effects of harmful by-products produced during fermentation.

In his published article, Owolabi concluded that “biobutanol production holds significant potential as a renewable energy source, but further advancements in pre-treatment and fermentation technologies are needed to make it a viable alternative to fossil fuels.”

He encouraged continued research to optimize microbial production methods and improve the efficiency of biobutanol synthesis.

Owolabi’s work not only provides valuable insights into the production of biobutanol from agricultural waste but also contributes to the global effort to develop sustainable energy solutions.

His passion for biotechnology and commitment to environmental sustainability are evident in his dedication to advancing renewable energy technologies.

He is actively involved in the scientific community and continues to contribute to the development of innovative solutions for global energy challenges.

Besides his research work, Owolabi acts as a mentor for the next generation of scientists, inspiring others to pursue careers in biotechnology and environmental sustainability.

Through his work and dedication, Yusuf Owolabi is engendering the creation of a greener, more sustainable future for all to live and thrive in.