Nitrogen sources on TPOMW valorization through solid state fermentation performed by Yarrowia lipolytica

This manuscript reports the valorization of two-phase olive mill waste (TPOMW) as raw material and carbon source for solid state fermentation using Yarrowia lipolytica as biocatalyst. Due to its chemical characteristics, a combination of different raw materials (TPOMW and wheat bran, WB) was evaluated and two distinct nitrogen sources were applied as supplementation for lipase production. A TPOMW/WB ratio of 1:1 and supplementation with ammonium sulfate was chosen as the best condition. The productivity in 24 h reached 7.8 U/gh and, after four days of process, only decreased about 35%. Process pH ranged from 5.5-5.9, remaining in an acid range. Thus, the successful use of TPOMW, a watery solid by-product with high content of lipids, as raw material for Yarrowia lipolytica growth and lipase production provided an environmental friendly alternative to valorize such waste.The authors kindly acknowledge the financial aid and research scholarships given by CAPES. Maria Alice Zarur Coelho thanks CNPq (Proc. 308890/ 2013-2)

Response of cellulase activity in pH-controlled cultures of the filamentous fungus Acremonium cellulolyticus

Cellulase production was investigated in pH-controlled cultures of Acremonium cellulolyticus. The response to culture pH was investigated for three cellulolytic enzymes, carbomethyl cellulase (CMCase), avicelase, and beta-glucosidase. Avicelase and beta-glucosidase showed similar profiles, with maximum activity in cultures at pH 5.5-6. The CMCase activity was highest in a pH 4 culture. At an acidic pH, the ratios of CMCase and avicelase activity to cellulase activity defined by filter paper unit were high, but at a neutral pH, the beta-glucosidase ratio was high. The pH 6.0 culture showed the highest cellulase activity within the range of pH 3.5-6.5 cultures. The saccharification activity from A. cellulolyticus was compared to those of the cellulolytic enzymes from other species. The A. cellulolyticus culture broth had a saccharification yield comparable to those of the Trichoderma enzymes GC220 and Cellulosin T2, under conditions with the same cellulase activity. The saccharification yields from Solka floc, Avicel, and waste paper, measured as the percent of released reducing sugar to dried substrate, were greater than 80% after 96 h of reaction. The yields were 16% from carboxymethylcellulose and 26% from wood chip refiner. Thus, the A. cellulolyticus enzymes were suitable for converting cellulolytic biomass to reducing sugars for biomass ethanol production. This study is a step toward the establishment of an efficient system to reutilize cellulolytic biomass.publishe

Microwave-assisted thermochemical and primary hydrolytic conversions of lignocellulosic resources: a review

peer reviewedFaced with the inevitable depletion of fossil resources, agricultural productions have rapidly emerged as promising renewable alternatives. Particularly, the conversion of lignocellulosic materials has nowadays opened new vistas for the production of energy, biofuels and chemicals. In this literature review, microwave technology is described as an original heating source either for the thermochemical conversions (at temperatures up to 400°C) of lignocellulose into biofuels or the pretreatment (below 400°C) and further hydrolysis of lignocellulose into bioethanol and other valuable chemicals. Advantages of microwave approaches include a commonly observed acceleration in reaction rate and improved selectivities and yields