Enzymatic Biocatalysis of Biomass from Aquatic Plant Phragmite Karka for Second-Generation Bioethanol Production

Abstract

In the context of energy transition and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the production of second-generation bioethanol is also recognized as a promising way to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Then, the present studies aim to evaluate the enzymatic biocatalysis of biomass from aquatic plant Phragmite karka in the second-generation bioethanol production. Results obtained revealed a rapid decrease of °Brix during the fermentation of musts and underlined the efficacy of enzyme hydrolysis. The rate of sugar consumption by yeasts is between 32.43 and 70.27%. The yield of ethanol production of yeasts indicated that Angel Brand Thermal-tolerant alcohol active dry yeast was the best yeast strain for this fermentation. These findings underline the potential of Phragmite karka plant materials in the perspective of intensive production of second-generation bioethanol.