The flow-through reaction setup progressively dissolves biomass producing fractions that are rich in (from left to right) lignin monomers, hemicellulose and cellulose-derived sugars. Photo by Matthew Wisniewski

Great Lakes Bioenergy

Great Lakes Bioenergy is a U.S. Department of Energy-funded research center dedicated to developing sustainable biofuels and bioproducts.

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Who We Are

The Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) is a U.S. Department of Energy-funded Bioenergy Research Center led by the University of Wisconsin–Madison. With Michigan State University and other partners, we are developing resilient bioproducts made from dedicated energy crops grown on marginal lands. Our mission is simple: creating bio-based products that are industry relevant and economically viable.

Research Themes

Sustainable cropping systems

Engineering bioenergy crops to enhance their environmental and economic value

Generating multiple products from plant biomass

Understanding and optimizing the field-to-product pipeline

Machine learning helps pick the best solvents for the job

Four-step workflow diagram for a machine-learning solvent selection method. Steps 1–2 (model development): training a model on property data via a feedback cycle, then identifying phases in solvent mixtures. Steps 3–4 (model validation): predicting partition coefficients for Arizona-series solvents and monomers, then selecting solvents using a 3D solubility-parameter plot.

GLBRC researchers have trained a machine learning model to predict which solvent mixtures will best dissolve a compound based on their physical and chemical properties and demonstrated the framework in two case studies: finding sustainable alternatives for halogenated solvents and identifying solvent mixtures that can be used to separate similar compounds found in deconstructed plant fibers in order to convert them into valuable chemicals.

UW–Madison research tour showcases BioAutomation Lab

A man in a blue blazer looks on with a smile as a bearded man in a red checked shirt and safety glasses gestures animatedly beside a glovebox with black gloves in a laboratory.

DOE Under Secretary for Science Darío Gil met with researchers from across campus and local tech industries to learn about UW–Madison’s research enterprise and alignment with DOE priorities. Discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen public-private partnerships, accelerate technology commercialization, expand workforce development and better position Wisconsin as a well-coordinated innovation ecosystem.