Lignocellulosic ethanol production at high-gravity: Challenges and perspectives
Review article, 2014

In brewing and ethanol-based biofuel industries, high-gravity fermentation produces 10-15% (v/v) ethanol, resulting in improved overall productivity, reduced capital cost, and reduced energy input compared to processing at normal gravity. High-gravity technology ensures a successful implementation of cellulose to ethanol conversion as a cost-competitive process. Implementation of such technologies is possible if all process steps can be performed at high biomass concentrations. This review focuses on challenges and technological efforts in processing at high-gravity conditions and how these conditions influence the physiology and metabolism of fermenting microorganisms, the action of enzymes, and other process-related factors. Lignocellulosic materials add challenges compared to implemented processes due to high inhibitors content and the physical properties of these materials at high gravity. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Lignocellulosic ethanol

High solids content

High gravity

High dry matter content

Author

Rakesh Koppram

Chalmers, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Industrial biotechnology

Elia Tomas-Pejo

Chalmers, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Industrial biotechnology

Charilaos Xiros

Chalmers, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Industrial biotechnology

Lisbeth Olsson

Chalmers, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Industrial biotechnology

Wallenberg Wood Science Center (WWSC)

Trends in Biotechnology

0167-7799 (ISSN) 18793096 (eISSN)

Vol. 32 1 46-53

Driving Forces

Sustainable development

Areas of Advance

Energy

Life Science Engineering (2010-2018)

Subject Categories

Bioenergy

DOI

10.1016/j.tibtech.2013.10.003

More information

Latest update

7/15/2021