Codon Devices, which has developed a platform for the rapid design and genetic sequences, announced a $20mm Series B led by Highland Partners, with existing investors Alloy Ventures, Flagship Ventures, Khosla Ventures and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers also participating. As with last week's mention of ERA Biotech, one of the potential applications of this technology is in the development of enzymes and other inputs to biofuel production.

Other news and notes: Here are a couple of good overviews of recent discussions around ethanol and clean coal... A local perspective on cleantech venture capital in New Hampshire... Energy Innovations' Andrew Beebe burns his grilled asparagus... Finally, cheers to Blueprint Ventures for a cute holiday video (note the subtle cleantech references).

[12/27 update] Also, check out this very interesting scoop by Joel Makower -- it's a very good example of how the commercial sector is starting to pick up demand for clean technologies even in the absence of major regulatory change...