The Biorefining Conversions and Fermentation Laboratory at the University of Alberta is at the forefront of developing practical technologies that transform by-products from various industries into valuable biofuels and bio commodities. With state-of-the-art equipment and a comprehensive analytical suite, the lab is fully equipped to support research in biorefining conversions and fermentations for clean fuels, green chemistry, and cellular agriculture.

Led by Dr. Bressler, the lab's research focuses on converting agricultural products to chemicals, fuels, and value-added commodities using chemical, thermal, and biological systems. The lab's initiatives include refining platforms and utilizing bioreactor systems for converting agricultural streams to biofuels using various industrial approaches. Dr. Bressler’s lab is designed to offer a multidisciplinary environment for various projects in biotechnology, chemistry, industrial microbiology, and biochemical engineering.

The group recently completed a $7 million dollar project turning a range of lipid feedstocks, including waste materials from the restaurant and rendering industries into biojet. The project was a highly collaborative effort from the federal and provincial governments and other private entities (Western Economic Diversification Canada, Natural Resources Canada, CanmetENERGY Devon, Alberta Innovates, Edmonton International Airport, University of Alberta, Future Energy Systems, and Forge Hydrocarbons).

Territorial Acknowledgements

The University of Alberta respectfully acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, a traditional gathering place for diverse Indigenous peoples including the Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Iroquois, Dene, Ojibway/ Saulteaux/Anishinaabe, Inuit, and many others whose histories, languages, and cultures continue to influence our vibrant community.