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Sugar-cane molasses fermentation by Zymomonas mobilis

  • Biotechnology
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Summary

Two different quality types of sugar-cane molasses containing a total sugar content of 48%–50% (w/v) and 35%–42% (w/v) were investigated for Zymomonas biothanol production. Molasses concentrations of up to 250 g/l (1:3 dilution) were successfully fermented within 24 h despite a higher salt concentration in the lower grade molasses. Higher molasses concentrations (300 g/l) led to fructose accumulation. The addition of sucrose to a final sugar concentration of 15% (w/v) led to 10% (v/v) ethanol with conversion efficiencies up to 96%. Sorbitol levels were negligible, but increased up to tenfold upon addition of invertase.

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  1. Department of Microbiology, University of Queensland, St. Lucia-Brisbane, 4067, Queensland, Australia

    Monica B. Doelle & Horst W. Doelle

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  1. Monica B. Doelle
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  2. Horst W. Doelle
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Doelle, M.B., Doelle, H.W. Sugar-cane molasses fermentation by Zymomonas mobilis . Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 33, 31–35 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00170565

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00170565

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