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Improving the efficiency of enzyme utilization for sugar beet pulp hydrolysis
Yi Zheng1, Yu-Shen Cheng, Chaowei Yu
1Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of California, Davis One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering
|May 15, 2012
Summary
Enzymatic hydrolysis of sugar beet pulp (SBP) allows for efficient fermentable sugar production. Recycling enzymes can reduce dosage by 50% while maintaining high sugar yields for biofuel applications.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Biochemical Engineering
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Sugar beet pulp (SBP) is a carbohydrate-rich byproduct of sugar processing.
- SBP is a promising feedstock for producing fermentable sugars and biofuels.
- Enzymatic hydrolysis is a key step for SBP valorization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the enzymatic hydrolysis of SBP.
- To examine the effects of solid loading, enzyme preparation, and enzyme recycling.
- To optimize fermentable sugar production from SBP.
Main Methods:
- Enzymatic hydrolysis of SBP at varying solid loadings (2-10%).
- Analysis of enzyme partitioning and activity loss during recycling using SDS-PAGE and Zymogram.
- Evaluation of fermentable sugar yield under different conditions.
Main Results:
- Enzymes showed minimal activity loss (6% filter paper activity) after multiple hydrolysis cycles.
- Enzyme dosage could be reduced by 50% without compromising sugar yield.
- Fermentable sugar yield was maintained or increased with enzyme recycling.
Conclusions:
- Enzyme recycling is effective for improving the economics of SBP hydrolysis.
- Optimized enzymatic hydrolysis of SBP can enhance biofuel production.
- Removal of hydrolysis products is recommended for further yield improvements.
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