Simple sugar products could become the world's dominant biofuel source after new evidence was published today.

US researchers say that a catalysed version of fructose or glucose has the potential to replace ethanol as the most-readily available and commonly-used alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

Scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison write in the journal Nature that a novel process involving the dehydration and catalysing of intermediate sugar compound 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) can then be catalysed into 2.5-dimethylfuran (DMF) via a further ruthenium and copper catalyst system.

DMF is being cited as the successor to ethanol as it has a 40-per-cent higher energy density, is less volatile and insoluble in water – meaning it is easier to obtain in its pure form.

"With diminishing fossil-fuel reserves and ongoing concerns about global warming, hopes are high that renewable energy sources, such as biomass, will provide a significant contribution to the world's energy needs," the authors write.

But professor James Dumesic, who led the study, admits there are "some challenges" ahead if DMF is to be used as a readily-available, commercial food source.

US president George Bush has already pledged to cut his country's use of petrol by 20 per cent over the next ten years.

This led to the head of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) warning earlier this year that the west's newfound affinity towards biofuels could send crude oil prices "through the roof".

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