Interest in bio-based materials derives from their sustainability and such "green" potential attributes as their potential for renewability. Many companies are investigating bio-based materials because they can be used as raw materials or compounded with other materials. With petroleum prices likely to soar in the future, sustainable materials are very attractive. The Ohio BioProducts Innovation Center (OBIC) is dedicated to helping bio-based materials emerge at competitive costs and performance levels that are at least comparable and sometimes better than traditional petroleum-based materials.

Leading livestock producers are examining new energy and material applications of biomass wastes (a.k.a- manure). Steve Baertsche is heading an OBIC team, made possible with a grant from the Ohio Soybean Council, evaluating materials from animal agriculture for future industrial applications in Ohio. This report illustrates why producers like Bridgewater Dairy and Wenning Poultry have adopted anaerobic digestion technologies on their operations. Chemical and polymer companies interested in novel feedstocks may find this story interesting.

This month OBIC features Dr. Yebo Li, a bioprocess/systems engineer in the Department of Food, Agricultural & Biological Engineering at OARDC/OSU. Dr. Li directs research in biomass feedstock preprocessing and the development of biorefining processes for the production of fuels, chemicals, and polymers from lignocellulosic biomass. A highly productive member of the OBIC team, we are confident that you will appreciate learning more about Yebo.