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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
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Techniques for the Evolution of Robust Pentose-fermenting Yeast for Bioconversion of Lignocellulose to Ethanol
Published on: October 24, 2016
Solid-state fermentation of sweet sorghum to ethanol.
F Kargi1, J A Curme, J J Sheehan
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology Research Center, Whitaker Laboratory No. 5, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, USA.
Biotechnology and Bioengineering
|January 1, 1985
Summary
This study optimized solid-state fermentation of sweet sorghum for ethanol production. Key parameters like temperature, yeast concentration, and moisture content were identified for efficient bioethanol generation.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Biochemical Engineering
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Sweet sorghum is a promising lignocellulosic feedstock for bioethanol production.
- Solid-state fermentation (SSF) offers advantages for processing lignocellulosic materials.
- Optimizing SSF parameters is crucial for efficient ethanol yields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of key process parameters on the solid-state fermentation of sweet sorghum to ethanol.
- To determine optimal conditions for maximizing ethanol production rate and extent.
Main Methods:
- Solid-state fermentation of chopped sweet sorghum particles was conducted in static flasks.
- An ethanol-tolerant yeast strain was utilized for fermentation.
- Process parameters including temperature, yeast cell concentration, and moisture content were systematically varied.
Main Results:
- Fermentation temperature significantly impacted ethanol production rate and yield.
- Yeast cell concentration influenced the kinetics of ethanol fermentation.
- Moisture content played a critical role in the efficiency of solid-state fermentation.
- Optimal temperature was determined to be 35°C.
- Optimal yeast cell concentration was found to be 7 x 10^8 cells/g raw sorghum.
- Optimal moisture level was identified as 70%.
Conclusions:
- Optimal conditions for SSF of sweet sorghum to ethanol were established.
- Achieving high ethanol yields is feasible through careful control of fermentation parameters.
- This research provides valuable insights for scaling up sweet sorghum-based bioethanol production.
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