DuPont has outlined plans to develop the next generation of biofuels at the third annual World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing.

Top of the agenda is the future of cellulosic ethanol as a replacement for gasoline transportation fuel.

DuPont biofuels research manager William Provine said the biofuels market was "ripe for innovation".

The firm has a three-part strategy for the biofuels market.

It includes improving existing ethanol production through differentiated agricultural seed products and crop protection chemicals; developing and supplying new technologies to allow conversion of cellulose to biofuels; and developing and supplying next generation biofuels with improved performance.

DuPont is working with BP to develop biobutanol as part of a wider bid to expand the use of biofuels in gasoline.

Biobutanol may arrive in the UK in 2007.

Biofuels can allow platinum autocatalyst technology to work more effectively, as it contains less of the sulphur emissions that can block up filters.

Cars running on biofuels will still produce pollutants with legislated maximum levels, including carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and particulate matter.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd