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Published on: October 24, 2016
High concentration ethanol production from corncob residues by fed-batch strategy.
Kai Liu1, Xiaohui Lin, Jun Yue
1State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shangdong University, No. 27 Shanda-nan Road, Jinan Shandong 250100, China.
Pretreating corncob residues (CCR) and using simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) with a fed-batch method boosts ethanol production. This approach enhances ethanol concentration while reducing enzyme use, even with low enzyme dosages.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Biochemical Engineering
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Corncob residues (CCR) are abundant lignocellulosic biomass suitable for biofuel production.
- Efficient pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis are crucial for maximizing ethanol yield from CCR.
- Understanding residue structural changes impacts process optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of different pretreatment methods on corncob residue structure and composition.
- To optimize ethanol production using simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) combined with a fed-batch strategy.
- To analyze the relationship between residue properties, enzyme adsorption, and ethanol productivity.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of pretreated CCR using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
- Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) using Penicillium decumbens JUA10-1 cellulase at 30°C.
- Implementation of a fed-batch strategy to enhance ethanol concentration and reduce enzyme loading.
- Investigation of cellobiohydrolase I (CBH I) adsorption/desorption in relation to lignin content.
Main Results:
- Different pretreatment methods significantly altered CCR composition and structure, influencing ethanol yield.
- The fed-batch SSF approach successfully increased ethanol concentration and reduced enzyme requirements.
- Cellobiohydrolase I (CBH I) adsorption was found to correlate with the lignin content of the pretreated residues.
- High ethanol concentrations were achieved using low enzyme dosages with the optimized process.
Conclusions:
- Pretreatment significantly affects corncob structure, impacting downstream ethanol production efficiency.
- Combining fed-batch strategy with SSF is an effective method for high-concentration ethanol production from pretreated CCR.
- Lignin content plays a key role in enzyme adsorption, influencing the overall efficiency of the saccharification process.
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