Bottlenecks in cellulosic ethanol production: xylose fermentation and cell propagation
Research Project, 2016 – 2019

We will supply key technologies, robust strains and processes, for sustainable and commercially viable second generation bioethanol production. Bioethanol production from lignocellulosic material is a key biofuel in reaching the vision of a fossil free transportation sector. To address remaining challenges for a viable bioethanol production we focus on the fermentation step, firstly technologies for efficient strain development via novel schemes for sporulation and crossing will be developed enabling development of strains with improved xylose consumption rates and improved tolerance to organic acids. Secondly, the propagation schemes for large-scale production scenarios will be developed. The target is that propagation of pentose fermenting strains reach biomass yields above 0.4 g biomass/g carbon source, 100 g/l biomass and above 90 % viability in industrially relevant medium. The investigations will also lead to understanding of the determinants of cellular status of robust strains.

Participants

Lisbeth Olsson (contact)

Chalmers, Life Sciences, Industrial Biotechnology

Yvonne Nygård

Chalmers, Life Sciences, Industrial Biotechnology

Marlous van Dijk

Chalmers, Life Sciences, Industrial Biotechnology

Collaborations

Lund University

Lund, Sweden

Taurus energy

Lund, Sweden

Funding

Swedish Energy Agency

Project ID: 2015-006983
Funding Chalmers participation during 2016–2019

Related Areas of Advance and Infrastructure

Sustainable development

Driving Forces

Energy

Areas of Advance

Life Science Engineering (2010-2018)

Areas of Advance

Publications

More information

Latest update

2018-02-26