Conversion of Lignocellulosic Sugarcane Bagasse Waste into Bioethanol Using Indigenous Yeast Strain

K .Vijayaraghavan* and G. M. Akshaya

Department of Biotechnology Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science Hindustan University No 1 Rajiv Gandhi Salai (OMR), Padur, Chennai 603103, Tamil Nadu, India.

Corresponding Author E-mail: kvijay@hindustanuniv.ac.in

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/bbra/2859

ABSTRACT: The article explores a novel way towards effective utilization of solid waste generated from sugarcane bagasse towards maximum energy extraction. Adopting acid treatment coupled with steam explosion deconstructed the hemicelluloses and lignocellulosic material maximizing the fermentable sugar production.  The pretreatment of bagasse was optimized with respect to sulphuric acid dosage and steam explosion period. Sugarcane bagasse being source of second generation feedstock proved its capability in bioethanol production based on the effectiveness of pretreatment process. The fermentation of bagasse was carried out at an initial pH 4.5 using indigenous yeast strain isolated from the bagasse. The results showed that pretreated bagasses produced a fermentable sugar of 74±3 g/l. The bioethanol production was found to be 34±2 g/l during a fermentation period of 36 h. Steam exploded acid bagasse led to the efficient breakage of hemicelluloses and lignocellulosic matrix, thus paving the way for scaling-up towards bioethanol production at industrial level.

KEYWORDS: Acid Hydrolysis; Bagasse; Bioethanol; Lignocellulosic Wastes; Saccharomyces Species; Stream Explosion; Sugarcane Crop Residue; Yeast Strain

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