Microbiological production of acetone-butanol by Clostridium acetobutylicum

Abstract

Trials succeeded in raising the efficiencies of the fermentation medium, used in the fermentative production of acetone-butanol by Clostridium acetobutylicum. Egyptian black strap molasses (50.0% sugars) was suitable as carbon source in the fermentation medium, and (NH4)2SO4 was utilized with great success as inorganic nitrogen source. 140.0 g/l black strap molasses (about 7.0% sugars) and 3.0 g/l (NH4)2SO4 were the optimum concentrations for obtaining good yields of acetone and butanol. Molasses and (NH4)2SO4 were preferred because they are cheaper than the other carbon and organic nitrogen sources, used in the fermentative production of acetone-butanol. The percentage increase of the total solvents produced in the fermentation (production medium) was increased by 64.0. The slop (by-product of the acetone-butanol fermentation after distillation) was re-used in the fermentation medium as organic nitrogen source and supported the microorganisms for a good production of acetone and butanol, while when stillage was used in the production medium, the total solvents output was less than that produced in the medium containing slop.