Author
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Dien, Bruce |
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Iten, Loren |
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O Bryan, Patricia |
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Nichols, Nancy |
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Bothast, Rodney |
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Submitted to: Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals Symposium Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 5/6/1999 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: In 1997, about one billion gallons of ethanol were produced in the United States, of which 95% was derived from fermentation of corn starch. We are investigating corn fiber as a novel fermentation feedstock. Corn fiber, a low value co-product generated during wet milling, is desirable as a feedstock because it is centrally stockpiled, low in naturally occurring inhibitors, and contains over 50% w/w carbohydrates. We are developing a process for conversion of corn fiber into ethanol. In the first step, the non-cellulosic carbohydrates are hydrolyzed into monomers by treating with dilute sulfuric acid at 150 deg C. The residual fibers are removed with a basket centrifuge and the supernatant neutralized with calcium hydroxide. The resulting hydrolysate contains a mixture of sugars including arabinose, glucose, and xylose. The hydrolysate is converted into ethanol using recombinant Escherichia coli; either strains K011 or FBR3, a novel strain developed in this laboratory. Ethanol yields that are approximately 90% o theoretical have been achieved using both strains. Current research is focused on optimizing conditions for producing the seed cultures, neutralizing the hydrolysate, and developing an industrial-type medium. |
