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Techniques for the Evolution of Robust Pentose-fermenting Yeast for Bioconversion of Lignocellulose to Ethanol
Published on: October 24, 2016
Lactic acid production from lignocellulose-derived sugars using lactic acid bacteria: overview and limits
Mohamed Ali Abdel-Rahman1, Yukihiro Tashiro, Kenji Sonomoto
1Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Division of Applied Molecular Microbiology and Biomass Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School, Kyushu University, Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan.
Journal of Biotechnology
|July 7, 2011
Summary
Lactic acid production from inexpensive lignocellulosic biomass is promising but challenging. This review details processes, challenges, and targets for efficient lactic acid fermentation using lactic acid bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Industrial Microbiology
- Biochemical Engineering
Background:
- Lactic acid is a valuable industrial chemical with a growing market.
- Current production relies on expensive sugar feedstocks like glucose and sucrose.
- Lignocellulosic biomass offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative feedstock.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review conventional processes for lactic acid production from lignocellulosic biomass.
- To identify challenges hindering commercialization.
- To highlight key targets for advanced fermentation processes.
Main Methods:
- Biomass pretreatment strategies.
- Enzymatic hydrolysis for fermentable sugar generation.
- Lactic acid fermentation using lactic acid bacteria.
- Downstream processing for separation and purification.
Main Results:
- Lignocellulosic biomass presents economic advantages over refined sugars for lactic acid production.
- Challenges include efficient pretreatment, hydrolysis, and fermentation of mixed sugars.
- Understanding lactic acid bacteria metabolism of lignocellulose-derived sugars is crucial.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing pretreatment and hydrolysis is key to cost-effective lignocellulose utilization.
- Developing robust microbial strains and fermentation processes is essential for commercial viability.
- Further research into lignocellulose-derived sugar metabolism can drive innovation.
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