Optimization of the Saccharification of Sugar Beet Pulp for Application to Commercial Biofuel Production

Abstract

The sugar beet pulp (SBP) saccharification reaction was examined in order to increase yield and cost-efficiency for application towards commercial biofuel production. Parameters of the reaction were analyzed to improve the reaction including saccharification kinetics as well as limiters and inhibitors of the reaction. The enzymes and the SBP were both explored as possible limiters and the acidification of the reaction and the production of glucose were both explored as possible inhibitors. Protease pretreatment did not result in greater yield of soluble sugars. The reaction was found to slow at around 8 hours and plateau between 18 and 24 hours after which the reaction did not continue. The reaction was self-buffering and therefore did not require a supplementary buffer. The pI-1 as well as the concentration of product produced in this reaction were not found to be inhibitory. The optimized reaction converted 66% of SBP polysaccharides to soluble sugar.