State of the Art Enzyme Technologies for Chinese Ethanol Production

摘要

State of the Art Enzyme Technologies for Chinese Ethanol Production In countries with surplus agricultural capacity, ethanol production represents a sensible substitute, extender or octane booster for traditional motor fuel. While sugar-based raw materials such as cane juice or molasses can be fermented directly, this is not possible for starch or biomass based raw materials. These substrates have to be broken down into fermentable sugars first. The principle of using enzymes to produce fuel alcohol from starch-based substrates is similar to that used for producing potable alcohol. Novozymes has developed new enzymes systems suitable for the different substrates used in the fuel ethanol industry. Economical fuel ethanol production is dependent on high and efficient process throughput with a minimal amount of downtime. New enzyme systems have played a significant role in allowing for high gravity (solids) throughput in the dry-milling ethanol production process. This includes a continuous starch liquefaction followed by a fermentation process which helps secure low ethanol production costs. To minimise investment and operating costs, a novel grain liquefaction amylase, and novel saccharification glucoamylases have been developed. New fermentation enhancement enzymes including proteases are under development. Hydrolysis of cellulosic substrates (biomass) has become a focus for the fuel ethanol industry as growth into new markets and areas of the world continues.