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Researchers at the Institute of Food Research are working on to convert straw from oilseed rape into biofuel. 

Researchers said the preliminary findings are positive and suggesting ways that could make the process more efficient. 

Straw from crops such as wheat, barley, oats and oilseed rape is seen as a potential source of biomass for second generation biofuel production. Currently the UK produces around 12 million tones of straw. Although much is used for animal bedding, mushroom compost and energy generation, there still exists a vast surplus, the press release added.

Straw comprises a mix of sugars that could be used as a source of biofuels that do not compete with food production but instead represent a sustainable way of utilizing waste. 

Another related study has discovered the key factors that determine the efficiency of saccharification.

Researchers added that the findings will help improve the efficiency by which straw can be converted to biofuels. For instance adding enzymes that more effectively remove xylan should improve yield, they added. 

According to the findings, it might be possible to improve the straw itself by reducing the ironic acid content in the biomass. 

The study has been published in the journal Bioresource Technology.