COMBINED ENZYMATIC DEGRADATION OF SUGAR BEET PULP

Abstract

Enzymatic degradation of agricultural materials is the basis for biofuel production. This project will focus on the development of an enzyme treatment regiment which will liberate residual sugars leftover after the processing of sugar beets. Sugar beet pulp is the choice of material due to the fact that it is a byproduct which has limited commercial value. The enzymes pectinmethylesterase and pectinacetylesterase have been studied and synergyistic effects on pectin documented. Mutates of these enzymes which give them activity at higher temperature (temperatures at which the sugar beets are processed) have been developed and will be tested for the same combined enhanced activity. In conjunction there will also be test conducted to isolate and enhance xylanase enzymes. Xylan is a major hemi-cellulosic component of the sugar beet pulp therefore simultaneous degradation improves the target product yield. The goal will be to create a high temperature mutant for the xylanase as well and then conduct test to determine the optimal enzyme concentrations and combinations to produce maximum yield. A successful biofuel program will have to be cost effective and the key will lie in enzyme efficiency