Phenolic compounds: Strong inhibitors derived from lignocellulosic hydrolysate for 2,3-butanediol production by Enterobacter aerogenes

• Published in: Biotechnology journal 2015-12, Vol.10 (12), p.1920-1928
• Main Authors: Lee, Sang Jun, Lee, Ju Hun, Yang, Xiaoguang, Kim, Sung Bong, Lee, Ja Hyun, Yoo, Hah Young, Park, Chulhwan, Kim, Seung Wook
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 2,3‐butanediol; 3-butanediol; Bacterial Proteins - metabolism; Biofuels; Biomass; Butylene Glycols - metabolism; Enterobacter aerogenes; Enterobacter aerogenes - drug effects; Enterobacter aerogenes - growth & development; Enterobacter aerogenes - metabolism; Furans - toxicity; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial - drug effects; Hydrolysis; Inhibitory effects; Lignin - chemistry; Lignocellulosic hydrolysate; Miscanthus; Phenols - chemistry; Phenols - toxicity
• ISSN: 1860-6768; 1860-7314
• DOI: 10.1002/biot.201500090

Lignocellulosic biomass are attractive feedstocks for 2,3‐butanediol production due to their abundant supply and low price. During the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass, various byproducts are formed and their effects on 2,3‐butanediol production were not sufficiently studied compared to ethanol production. Therefore, the effects of compounds derived from lignocellulosic biomass (weak acids, furan derivatives and phenolics) on the cell growth, the 2,3‐butanediol production and the enzymes activity involved in 2,3‐butanediol production were evaluated using Enterobacter aerogenes ATCC 29007. The phenolic compounds showed the most toxic effects on cell growth, 2,3‐butanediol production and enzyme activity, followed by furan derivatives and weak acids. The significant effects were not observed in the presence of acetic acid and formic acid. Also, feasibility of 2,3‐butanediol production from lignocellulosic biomass was evaluated using Miscanthus as a feedstock. In the fermentation of Miscanthus hydrolysate, 11.00 g/L of 2,3‐butanediol was obtained from 34.62 g/L of reducing sugar. However, 2,3‐butanediol was not produced when the concentration of total phenolic compounds in the hydrolysate increased to more than 1.5 g/L. The present study provides useful information to develop strategies for biological production of 2,3‐butanediol and to establish biorefinery for biochemicals from lignocellulosic biomass. The effects of compounds derived from lignocellulosic biomass on the cell growth, the 2,3‐butanediol production and the enzymes activity involved in 2,3‐butanediol production are evaluated using Enterobacter aerogenes ATCC 29007. The phenolic compounds show the most toxic effects, followed by furan derivatives and weak acids. This study provides insights into lignocellulosic biomass biorefining. This article is part of an AFOB (Asian Federation of Biotechnology) Special issue. To learn more about the AFOB, visit www.afob.org.