Biomass Lipid Production via Segmented Hydrolysis and Fermentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing lipids from lignocellulosic biomass face low sugar yields from acid hydrolysis and poor lipid yields in fermentation, with high concentrations of biomass leading to toxic compound formation and growth inhibitors for microorganisms.
Innovation Solution
A process involving acid or enzymatic hydrolysis of biomass to separate solid and aqueous phases, followed by fermentation with oleaginous yeast, and microfiltration to recycle aqueous phases, enhancing sugar utilization and lipid production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high concentrations of biomass are used in acid hydrolysis to increase sugar production, then sugar yield improves, but toxic compound formation increases and inhibits microorganism growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hydrolysis process into two sequential stages: first acid hydrolysis to release pentoses, then enzymatic hydrolysis to release hexoses. This segmentation allows sugar extraction at lower biomass concentrations at each stage, preventing toxic compound formation while maintaining high overall sugar yield. The fermentation is also segmented into two phases using different yeast strains optimized for different sugar types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary acid hydrolysis to release pentoses before enzymatic hydrolysis. This preliminary action allows the system to extract sugars in a controlled sequence at lower concentrations, avoiding the formation of toxic compounds that would occur with high-concentration single-stage hydrolysis. The preliminary acid treatment also prepares the biomass structure for subsequent enzymatic action.
2Quantity of substance
If high concentrations of biomass are used in acid hydrolysis to increase sugar production, then sugar yield improves, but microorganism growth is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fermentation process into two distinct phases using different oleaginous yeast strains. The first phase uses a strain optimized for pentose utilization, while the second phase uses a strain optimized for hexose utilization. This segmentation allows each strain to operate in optimized conditions with appropriate sugar substrates, maintaining reliable growth and lipid production without exposure to toxic compounds from high-concentration hydrolysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the fermentation process by using two different oleaginous yeast strains with different metabolic capabilities. The first strain is selected for optimal growth on pentoses, while the second strain is selected for optimal growth on hexoses. This parameter change in terms of microorganism selection allows the system to efficiently convert both pentose and hexose sugars into lipids with high yields, overcoming the growth inhibition problem.
3Device complexity
If low lipid yields are obtained from fermentation to reduce process complexity, then process simplicity improves, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fermentation process into two sequential phases, each optimized for different sugar types. The first phase ferments pentoses to produce lipids, and the second phase ferments hexoses to produce additional lipids. This segmentation increases overall lipid productivity by utilizing both pentose and hexose sugar pools from the hydrolyzed biomass, rather than leaving sugars unfermented. The process remains relatively simple as it uses conventional fermentation technology with just two sequential steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fermentation parameters by selecting specific oleaginous yeast strains with high lipid production capabilities and different sugar utilization profiles. The first strain is optimized for pentose metabolism and lipid accumulation, while the second strain is optimized for hexose metabolism and lipid accumulation. This parameter optimization allows the system to achieve high lipid yields from both sugar types without significantly increasing process complexity, as each phase uses standard fermentation conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This process achieves high lipid yields (≥40%) by optimizing sugar utilization and reducing toxic by-products, allowing for efficient production of biodiesel or green diesel.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting said biomass including at least one polysaccharide to acid hydrolysis obtaining a first mixture comprising a first solid phase and a first aqueous phase
Implementation Method 2
subjecting said solid phase to acid hydrolysis or to enzymatic hydrolysis obtaining a second mixture comprising a second solid phase and a second aqueous phase
Implementation Method 3
subjecting the aqueous phases obtained from said hydrolyses to fermentation in the presence of at least one oleaginous yeast obtaining a fermentation broth comprising an oleaginous cellular biomass
Implementation Method 4
subjecting at least a part of said fermentation broth to microfiltration
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Process for the production of lipids from biomass comprising polysaccharides. The biomass is subjected to acid hydrolysis to obtain a solid phase and an aqueous phase. The solid phase is subjected to acid or to enzymatic hydrolysis obtaining a further solid phase and a further aqueous phase. The aqueous phases obtained from both hydrolysis steps are subjected to fermentation with an oleaginous yeast. The obtained fermentation broth comprises oleaginous cellular biomass which is subjected to microfiltration for the isolation of lipids. Said lipids can be used in the production of biodiesel or green diesel.