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Updated: Feb 22, 2026

Techniques for the Evolution of Robust Pentose-fermenting Yeast for Bioconversion of Lignocellulose to Ethanol
Published on: October 24, 2016
Enhanced ethanol production by Clostridium ragsdalei from syngas by incorporating biochar in the fermentation medium
Xiao Sun1, Hasan K Atiyeh1, Ajay Kumar1
1Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA.
Abstract:
Biochar contains minerals and metals that can serve as nutrients for acetogens to produce ethanol via syngas fermentation. In this study, four fermentation media containing biochar from switchgrass (SGBC), forage sorghum (FSBC), red cedar (RCBC) and poultry litter (PLBC) were compared with standard yeast extract (YE) medium for syngas fermentation using Clostridium ragsdalei. Fermentations were performed in 250mL bottle reactors at 150rpm and 37°C with syngas containing CO:H2:CO2 (40:30:30) by volume. Results showed that media containing RCBC and PLBC improved ethanol production by 16.3% and 58.9%, respectively, compared to YE medium. C. ragsdalei consumed 69% more H2 and 40% more CO in PLBC medium compared to YE medium. However, no enhancement of ethanol production was observed in SGBC and FSBC media. The highest release of Na, K, Ca, Mg, S and P was from PLBC, which was considered to contribute in enhancement of ethanol production.
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