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Hybrid thermochemical processing: fermentation of pyrolysis-derived bio-oil

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Abstract

Thermochemical processing of biomass by fast pyrolysis provides a nonenzymatic route for depolymerization of biomass into sugars that can be used for the biological production of fuels and chemicals. Fermentative utilization of this bio-oil faces two formidable challenges. First is the fact that most bio-oil-associated sugars are present in the anhydrous form. Metabolic engineering has enabled utilization of the main anhydrosugar, levoglucosan, in workhorse biocatalysts. The second challenge is the fact that bio-oil is rich in microbial inhibitors. Collection of bio-oil in distinct fractions, detoxification of bio-oil prior to fermentation, and increased robustness of the biocatalyst have all proven effective methods for addressing this inhibition.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA

    Laura R. Jarboe

  2. Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA

    Zhiyou Wen

  3. Biological and Environmental Sciences, Texas A&M University—Commerce, Commerce, TX, USA

    DongWon Choi

  4. Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA

    Robert C. Brown

Authors
  1. Laura R. Jarboe
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  2. Zhiyou Wen
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  3. DongWon Choi
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  4. Robert C. Brown
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Correspondence to Laura R. Jarboe.

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Jarboe, L.R., Wen, Z., Choi, D. et al. Hybrid thermochemical processing: fermentation of pyrolysis-derived bio-oil. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 91, 1519–1523 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-011-3495-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-011-3495-9

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