Related Experiment Videos
High-yield fermentation of pentoses into lactic acid
1Chemical Engineering Department, Auburn University, AL 36849-5127, USA.
Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology
|June 13, 2000
Summary
This study reveals Lactobacillus casei subsp. rhamnous can efficiently ferment xylose, a sugar typically unusable by Lactobacillus species. This discovery offers potential for improved biofuel production and industrial applications.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Industrial Fermentation
Background:
- Lactobacillus species typically cannot ferment xylose, limiting their use in certain industrial processes.
- Xylose is a major component of hemicellulose, a key sugar in lignocellulosic biomass.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fermentation capabilities of Lactobacillus casei subsp. rhamnosus (ATCC 10863) regarding xylose utilization.
- To characterize the fermentation kinetics and product yields of this strain on xylose.
Main Methods:
- Cultivation of Lactobacillus casei subsp. rhamnosus (ATCC 10863) on xylose-containing media.
- Analysis of sugar consumption, lactic acid production, and byproduct formation.
- Fermentation trials with mixed sugars and acid-treated softwood hydrolysate.
Main Results:
- Lactobacillus casei subsp. rhamnosus demonstrated efficient xylose fermentation, comparable to glucose fermentation.
- High lactic acid yield (>80%) and significant volumetric productivity (0.38 g/L.h) were observed.
- The strain exhibited tolerance to lactic acid and toxins, and could ferment mixed sugars from lignocellulosic hydrolysates.
Conclusions:
- Lactobacillus casei subsp. rhamnosus possesses a unique ability to efficiently ferment xylose, expanding its potential industrial applications.
- This strain's robustness and ability to utilize mixed sugars make it a promising candidate for lignocellulosic biorefineries.