Discipline: Biological Sciences
Subcategory: STEM Research
- Alcorn State University
Co-Author(s): Destiny Crockett, George Frye, Rodrick Patterson, Ananda Nanjundaswamy, Alcorn State University
Feedstock loading and enzyme cost are the two important factors that determine the process efficiency of cellulosic ethanol production. While increased enzyme concentration results in enhanced sugar release, cost of the enzyme makes the process expensive. However increased substrate results in enhanced sugar, but will reduce the fermentation process by interfering in mass transfer rates such as oxygen and heat. Developing an optimal enzyme concentration and feedstock loading will assist in developing an ideal method that can enhance the process efficiency. Miscanthus giganteus is an emerging feedstock for production of bioethanol. The objective of this study was to develop an ideal enzyme and biomass loading concentration for saccharification and fermentation using acid-pretreated feedstock. The pretreatment method, effect of enzyme and feedstock loading and process optimization using RSM design will be discussed.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): This research was funded by NSF HBCU UP Research Initiation Award to AN
Faculty Advisor: None Listed,