Process Design in Fungal-Based Biofuel Production Systems

Abstract

A number of Ascomycetes and Zygomycetes fungi produce ethanol through fermentation. Among them, some are oleaginous and capable of accumulating substantial amounts of intracellular lipids, which can be extracted and derivatized to biodiesel. Cellulolytic enzymes production is another important feature of the contribution of fungi to the second-generation biofuels production. This chapter first presents an introduction to the physiology and growth of fungi and basic considerations in designing the bioprocesses in which fungi are used for fuels application. Subsequently, the bioprocess design for first, second, and third generation bioethanol production and integrated approaches for bioethanol, biodiesel, and enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocelluloses are reviewed and discussed. Selection criteria for bioreactor type in the fermentation process and the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic substrates are also included in this chapter.KeywordsBiodieselBioethanolFermentationFungiProcess designProcess parameters