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Published on: October 24, 2016
Continuous acetone-butanol-ethanol production by corn stalk immobilized cells
Yuedong Zhang1, Yujiu Ma, Fangxiao Yang
1Key Laboratory of Biofuel, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266071 Qingdao, China.
Summary
Corn stalk immobilization enhanced acetone, butanol, and ethanol production by Clostridia beijerinckii. Optimal dilution rates were identified for solvent concentration and productivity in continuous fermentation.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microbiology
- Biochemical Engineering
Background:
- Acetone, butanol, and ethanol (ABE) production is a vital biofuel process.
- Immobilization of microorganisms on low-cost supports can enhance fermentation efficiency.
- Clostridia beijerinckii is a key microorganism for ABE fermentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of corn stalk as a support for immobilizing Clostridia beijerinckii ATCC 55025.
- To determine the effect of dilution rate on ABE solvent production in a continuous fermentation system.
- To analyze cell adsorption and morphology changes on the corn stalk support.
Main Methods:
- Immobilization of Clostridia beijerinckii ATCC 55025 on corn stalk.
- Continuous flow fermentation over a 20-day period.
- Analysis of solvent concentration, productivity, and yield at various dilution rates.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for cell morphology and adsorption studies.
Main Results:
- Maximum total solvent concentration of 8.99 g/l achieved at a dilution rate of 0.2 h⁻¹.
- Increased solvent productivity with dilution rates from 0.2 to 1.0 h⁻¹, peaking at 5.06 g/l/h at 1.0 h⁻¹.
- Highest solvent yield from glucose (0.32 g/g) observed at a dilution rate of 0.25 h⁻¹.
- SEM confirmed cell adsorption and morphological changes on the corn stalk support.
Conclusions:
- Corn stalk is an effective and low-cost support for immobilizing Clostridia beijerinckii for ABE fermentation.
- Dilution rate significantly impacts solvent production, concentration, productivity, and yield.
- Optimized dilution rates are crucial for maximizing ABE solvent recovery in continuous culture systems.
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