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Updated: Apr 27, 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
11.0K
Butanol fermentation.
Bettina Schiel-Bengelsdorf1, José Montoya1, Sonja Linder1
1Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, D-89081 Ulm, Germany.
Environmental Technology
|December 20, 2013
Summary
This review covers bacterial butanol production, focusing on strain improvements and alternative substrates like lignocellulosic hydrolysates. Advances in engineered strains and biorefinery approaches aim to make butanol fermentation more economical.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Bacterial butanol production, specifically acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation using Clostridium acetobutylicum, is a long-established industrial process.
- Traditional ABE fermentation faces economic challenges, necessitating the development of novel production methods and strains.
- The increasing demand for biofuels and biochemicals drives research into sustainable and cost-effective butanol production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of bacterial butanol production.
- To highlight recent advancements in strain improvement and the utilization of alternative substrates.
- To discuss the economic viability and future prospects of industrial butanol fermentation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on bacterial butanol production.
- Analysis of genomic data for rational strain construction in Clostridium species.
- Examination of current and historical commercial butanol production plants and companies.
- Discussion of biomass processing in biorefineries for butanol synthesis.
Main Results:
- Genome sequencing and analysis of Clostridium acetobutylicum have enabled significant improvements in strain engineering.
- Development of newly engineered solvent-producing Clostridium strains shows promise for enhanced butanol yield.
- Lignocellulosic hydrolysates are identified as important alternative substrates for reducing butanol production costs.
- Biorefinery concepts offer pathways to lower the overall price of industrial-scale butanol fermentation.
Conclusions:
- Strain improvement through genetic engineering is crucial for overcoming economic limitations in butanol fermentation.
- The integration of biorefinery approaches and the use of lignocellulosic biomass can significantly enhance the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of butanol production.
- Continued research and development in engineered microbial strains and sustainable feedstock utilization are essential for the future of bacterial butanol production.
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