Characterization of sugarcane bagasse solubilization and utilization by thermophilic cellulolytic and saccharolytic bacteria at increasing solid loadings

Autor(es)

Zambello, Isabela U. ; Holwerda, Evert K. ; Lynd, Lee R.

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: Bioresource Technology; v. 406, p. 11-pg., 2024-06-20.

Resumo

In Brazil the main feedstock used for ethanol production is sugarcane juice, resulting in large amounts of bagasse. Bagasse has high potential for cellulosic ethanol production, and consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) has potential for lowering costs. However, economic feasibility requires bioprocessing at high solids loadings, entailing engineering and biological challenges. This study aims to document and characterize carbohydrate solubilization and utilization by defined cocultures of Clostridium thermocellum and Thermoanaerobacterium thermosaccharolyticum at increasing loadings of sugarcane bagasse. Results show that fractional carbohydrate solubilization decreases as solids loading increases from 10 g/L to 80 g/L. Cocultures enhance solubilization and carbohydrate utilization compared to monocultures, irrespective of initial solids loading. Rinsing bagasse before fermentation slightly decreases solubilization. Experiments studying inhibitory effects using spent media and dilution of broth show that negative effects are temporary or reversible. These findings highlight the potential of converting sugarcane bagasse via CBP, pointing out performance limitations that must be addressed. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 21/05398-9 - Fermentação de lignocelulose por bactérias termofílicas em alta concentração de sólidos: experimentos de diagnóstico com o objetivo de identificar fatores que diminuem o desempenho em sólidos elevados
• Beneficiário: Isabela Uematsu Zambello
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado Direto
• Processo FAPESP: 21/11492-8 - Fermentação de lignocelulose por bactérias termófilas em altas concentrações de sólidos
• Beneficiário: Isabela Uematsu Zambello
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Exterior - Estágio de Pesquisa - Doutorado Direto
• Processo FAPESP: 18/25682-0 - Laboratório de biocombustíveis avançados de segunda geração
• Beneficiário: Lee Howard Lynd
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Programa BIOEN - SPEC