Wood hydrolyzate treatments for improved fermentation of wood sugars to 2,3-butanediol

• Published in: Biomass 1989, Vol.18 (1), p.31-42
• Main Authors: Frazer, F.R., McCaskey, T.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3-butanediol; acid-hydrolyzed hardwood; Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Biological and medical sciences; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General agronomy. Plant production; microbial inhibitors; Use of agricultural and forest wastes. Biomass use, bioconversion; wood hydrolyzate treatments
• ISSN: 0144-4565; 1878-2523
• DOI: 10.1016/0144-4565(89)90079-6

Acid-hydrolyzed hardwood contains compounds inhibitory to microorganisms that convert wood sugars to fermentation products such as fuels and chemicals. Several methods of treating acid-hydrolyzed hardwood (hydrolyzate) to reduce the levels of potential microbial inhibitors (acetate, furfural, sulfate, and phenolics) were evaluated. The methods evaluated were precipitation with calcium hydroxide, extraction with organic solvents, treatment with ion-exchange resins, adsorption resins, and activated charcoal. Treatment of the hydrolyzate with an anion exchange resin (Amberlite IRA-400) was the most effective method for removing potential inhibitors. Non-treated hydrolyzate adjusted to pH 6 inhibited growth of a 2,3-butanediol-producing culture of Klebsiella pneumoniae. However, hydrolyzate treated with Amberlite IRA-400 was not inhibitory and resulted in yields of 2,3-butanediol that were greater than 90% of theoretical.