Avaliação da produção de etanol de segunda geração utilizando hidrolisado de bagaço de cana-de-açúcar na presença de ácido acético em biorreator

Abstract

Faced with the possibility of shortage of fossil fuels, researchers have focused their research for alternative production of biofuels. However, to ensure an increase in the energy matrix, we need to ensure that the process can be expanded in scale until you reach the level of trade. In this sense, this study evaluated the expansion of scale in the production of second generation ethanol, using hydrolyzed sugarcane bagasse industrial (with presence of inhibitors), fermented to Wickerhamomyces sp. UFFS-C.E-3.1.2, in the bioreactor. Two fermentations were performed, one without pH control and another with a pH controlled at 7.00. The fermentation conducted at pH adjusted favored xylose consumption in addition to glucose and led to a 10% higher ethanol production (9.25 g / L) when compared to the fermentation production without pH control (8.35 g / I). The results indicate that the inhibitory effect of acetic acid can be reduced with the increase in pH, favoring the consumption of pentose levels by the yeast Wickerhamomyces sp. UFFS-C.E-3.1.2. The increase of scale in bioreactor obtained results similar to those obtained in the fermentation process conducted in erlenmeyer, indicating the possibility of enlarging the system to commercial level.