A novel process for enhancing oil production in biorefineries through bioconversion of solid by-products

Description

Superpowers are becoming active players in the global effort to replace conventional refineries by biorefineries. For achieving this, the best technologies should be applied to cover all aspects of the complex biomass value chain, from feedstock production to end-user distribution. In this context, we developed a novel bioprocessing technology to add value to by-products from the algal oil and rapeseed biorefineries. In the first case, we have developed novel processes for enhancing oil production in algae biorefineries through bioconversion of solid by-products. In current processes, oleaginous microalgae are grown and harvested for lipid production leaving a lipid-free algae residue. Our novel process adds value to algae residue by converting the algal carbohydrate fraction into glucose prior to lipid extraction. This can be fermented to produce up to 15% additional lipids using another oleaginous microorganism. We found that in situ enzymes can hydrolyse storage carbohydrates in the algae into glucose and we identified optimal conditions for the best glucose yield. Up to 75% of available carbohydrates were converted to a generic fermentation feedstock containing 73 g/L glucose. Additionally, there was an increment in free water content and improvement in the solvent extractability of lipids from the algae. This technological development could positively impact the biomass value chain.

Period	15 Apr 2013
Event title	3rd International Conference on Environmental Science
Event type	Conference
Location	Dubai, United Arab EmiratesShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International