Maximum Total Sugar Research Articles

Pre-treatment of sugarcane bagasse with aqueous ammonia–glycerol mixtures to enhance enzymatic saccharification and recovery of ammonia

In this work, an efficient aqueous ammonia with glycerol (AAWG) method to improve the digestibility of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) was developed. Response surface methodology was utilized to optimize the AAWG parameters to achieve the maximum total fermentable sugar concentration (TFSC) and total fermentable sugar yield (TFSY). Under optimal AAWG conditions, 13.59 g/L TFSC (9.25% ammonia, 1.86 h, 180 °C) and 0.4449 g/g TFSY (9.51% ammonia, 1.78 h, 180 °C) were achieved, with delignification of 77.81% and 70.91%, respectively. Compared to pretreatment with glycerol or aqueous ammonia, the AAWG method significantly enhanced the enzymatic efficiency of SCB. The ammonia was recovered from the pretreatment liquid by distillation, and about one-third of the ammonia was retained. The overall results indicate that AAWG is effectively used as a pretreatment method for recovering ammonia, which would largely contribute to the economic benefits of biomass biorefinery.

Effective delignification and decrystallization of cauliflower wastes by using dilute phosphoric acid for efficient enzymatic digestibility to produce fermentable sugars

The present study investigated the feasibility of using cauliflower wastes (stalk and leaf) as novel feedstock for production of fermentable sugars, thus reducing the wastage. In this investigation cauliflower wastes were pretreated with dilute phosphoric acid (H3PO4) prior to enzymatic hydrolysis for better release of fermentable sugars. Maximum total reducing sugar yields were achieved at 121 °C, 4% v/v dilute H3PO4 concentration and 60 min for both the waste biomasses. The structural analysis of raw and pretreated cauliflower wastes was investigated. The surface morphological changes of cauliflower waste biomasses revealed that removal of hemicellulose and lignin during dilute H3PO4 pretreatment exposed cellulose fibers resulting in the destruction of the recalcitrant structure of biomasses. SEM and XRD analysis revealed that the crystalline structure of cellulose in the pretreated biomasses was transformed from cellulose I to the amorphous form causing changes in the porosity and cellulose crystallinity index. The pretreatment process have demonstrated improved yield of cellulose by removal of physical barriers namely, hemicellulose and lignin from the waste biomasses. The cellulose conversion to fermentable sugar was significantly greater for pretreated biomasses. After enzymatic saccharification with commercial cellulase, Celluclast® at the same pretreatment conditions cellulose conversion to fermentable sugar were found to be significantly increased than those of untreated biomasses. The optimum operation condition of enzymatic hydrolysis of 4% v/v dilute H3PO4 pretreated cauliflower wastes were biomass loading of 1.2% w/v, enzyme loading 15 U/g, pH 4, incubation temperature 50 °C and incubation time 180 min.

Single pot bioprocessing for ethanol production from biogenic municipal solid waste

Burgeoning global energy demand and rapid diminution of fossil fuel reserves urged to seek for a sustainable energy source like bioethanol. Single pot bioprocessing (SPB) strategy employing in-house laccase, cellulase plus xylanase and amylase along with hexose and pentose sugar fermenting yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia stipitis) is designed in this study for ethanol production from biogenic municipal solid waste (BMSW). BMSW when subjected to simultaneous pretreatment and saccharification (SPS) resulted in 79.69% enzymatic digestibility and fared better compared to alkali pretreated counterparts (14.03%–51.10%). The maximum total sugar release in case of SPS was 146.9 g/L in 24 h. The maximum ethanol concentration of 5.24% (v/v) in 30 h was obtained from SPB of BMSW at 25% (w/v) solid loading. SPB for ethanol production from BMSW is an interesting and effective alternative to MSW going to landfill or incineration with an added perk of waste to wealth conversion.

Optimization of dilute NaOH pretreatment at mild temperatures for monomeric sugar release from sorghum pith using response surface methodology

Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the alkali pretreatment conditions for maximum fermentable sugar yield from sorghum pith with respect to NaOH concentration (0.5% to 2%), reaction temperature (20 °C to 40 °C), and pretreatment time (2 h to 20 h). The pretreatment caused a slight loss of glucan, but a significant removal of lignin and xylan from the pith, particularly lignin. The optimized results showed that the pretreatment conditions for the maximum predicted enzymatic glucose yield (90.5%) were 19.5 h, 2% NaOH, and 40 °C, while that for the maximum predicted enzymatic xylose yield (57.7%) were 9.9 h, 1.4% NaOH, and 37.5 °C. The optimized pretreatment conditions for the maximum total sugars yield were 16.2 h, 2% NaOH, and 37 °C, under which 72.4% of the glucan and xylan present in the raw material were experimentally hydrolyzed to release monomeric sugars. Additionally, with the optimized combination of 15 FPU cellulase and 7.5 CBU β-glucosidase per gram of pretreated material, the saccharification efficiency approached 90% glucan and 74% xylan present in the pretreated material (obtained at 37 °C for 16 h with 2% NaOH). This study may provide useful information for the development of novel alternative feedstocks for cellulosic ethanol production.

Enzymatic Extraction, Purification, and Characterization of Polysaccharides from Penthorum chinense Pursh: Natural Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory.

Penthorum chinense Pursh (PCP) is a kind of functional food or medicine for liver protection. In the present work, Plackett-Burman design, steepest ascent method, and response surface methodology (RSM) were employed to obtain maximum total sugar yield. The experimental yield of 6.91% indicated a close agreement with the predicted yield of 7.00% of the model under optimized conditions. The major polysaccharide fraction (PCPP-1a) from PCPP was purified and identified as acidic polysaccharides with a high content of uronic acid (FT-IR, UV, HPGPC). PCPP had similar monosaccharide profile with PCPP-1a but was rich in galacturonic acid (HPLC). Both of PCPP and PCPP-1a possessed strong hydroxyl radical scavenging, DPPH radical scavenging, and Fe2+ chelating activities. Moreover, they were revealed to show strong anti-inflammatory activities by inhibiting NO, TNF-α, and IL-1β release compared to LPS treatment in RAW264.7 cells. These data suggest that the polysaccharides from PCP could be potential natural products for treating ROS and inflammatory-related diseases.

Active compounds and biological activity of in vitro cultures of some Echinacea purpurea varieties

BackgroundPlant cell cultures have developed rapidly in recent years for the synthesis of selected natural products. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of yeast extract, jasmonic acid, phenylalanine, and tyrosine on total caffeic acid and polysaccharide production in callus cultures of two Echinacea varieties, namely Double Decker and Rubinstern. The biological activities (antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities) of different Echinacea extracts were also evaluated.ResultsData revealed the effect of yeast extract on calli of the two varieties. Double Decker calli recorded maximum caffeic acid derivatives and total hydrolysable sugars after 30 days of cultivation using 1.5 g/l and 1.0 g/l yeast extract respectively whereas, in Rubinstern calli, the maximum caffeic acid derivatives and total hydrolysable sugars were recorded at 1.0 g/l after 30 days. Using 50 mM jasmonic acid, Double Decker calli recorded maximum values of caffeic acid derivatives and total hydrolysable sugars after 15 days. In Rubinstern calli, caffeic acid derivatives and total hydrolysable sugar recorded maximum values after 30 days at 200 mM jasmonic acid and after 15 days at 50 mM jasmonic acid, respectively. In Double Decker variety, caffeic acid derivatives and total hydrolysable sugars recorded maximum values at 100 mg/l phenylalanine. Rubinstern calli recorded maximum value of caffeic acid derivatives at 100 mg/l phenylalanine and total hydrolysable sugars at 50 mg/l phenylalanine. As for tyrosine, maximum values of caffeic acid derivatives and total hydrolysable sugars recorded at 150 mg/l with Double Decker calli. Rubinstern calli recorded maximum value of caffeic acid derivatives and total hydrolysable sugars at 150 and 50 mg/l tyrosine, respectively. The biological activities of the different Echinacea extracts showed that maximum antioxidant activity (89.2%) was recorded with Rubinstern calli. Also, the maximum value of cell death (78.2%) was observed with the extract of Rubinstern calli. For antibacterial activity, most extracts showed inhibitory effect against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus growth.ConclusionBoth elicitors (yeast extract and jasmonic acid) and precursors (phenylalanine and tyrosine) have a clear effect on natural products of the two Echinacea varieties. The investigated Echinacea extracts (in vitro and in vivo plants and calli of the two varieties) showed moderate activity against tested microbial strains.

Enhancing fermentable sugar yield from cassava residue using a two-step dilute ultra-low acid pretreatment process

Cassava residue (CR), a fibrous material, is a cassava processing by-product. The complex structure of the lignocellulosic material in CR limits effective saccharification; therefore, pretreatment is an essential step in biomass fuel production. This study investigated the hydrolysis of CR lignocellulosic components, using amylase to remove the starch from the CR to produce remaining starch-free CR (RSFCR). Ultra-low acid (ULA) CR pretreatments (a one-step ULA using 0.01% w/w H2SO4 or a two-step ULA using 0.05% H2SO4) were applied for durations of 0 to 50 min and at temperatures of 160 to 200 °C. The one-step ULA pretreatment achieved maximum glucose, xylose, and total sugar recoveries of 7.57%, 39.11%, and 15.14%, while the two-step ULA pretreatment attained 9.82%, 58.62%, and 22.08% recoveries, respectively. ULA RSFCR pretreatment degraded a small percentage of the hemicellulose sugars into the inhibitors and formed xylose-rich liquid prehydrolysate and a cellulose-rich solid. The hydrolytic yields of glucose, xylose, and total sugar from the two-step ULA pretreatment with enzymatic hydrolysis were 7.43, 1.41, and 3.32 times higher, respectively, than those from the two-step ULA pretreatment and 1.02, 1.13, and 1.04 times higher than those from the one-step ULA pretreatment with enzymatic hydrolysis. Fermentation inhibition was not detected in the pretreatment methods. These results indicate the feasibility of using two-step ULA combined with enzymatic hydrolysis for RSFCR pretreatment.

Production of Reducing Sugars from Hydroxylated Mature Spear Grass (<i>Heteropogon Contortus</i>)

Mature black Spear grass ( Heteropogon contortus ) was hydrolyzed using different concentrations of dilute sulphuric acid for the first time as lignocellulosic substrate for producing reducing sugars at different pH and retention time. The maximum total reducing sugar (TRS) from Spear grass hydrolysate (SGH) was 2.48g/L using 6% H 2 SO 4 at 121 o C for 4h with higher amount of xylose than glucose and arabinose. BC yield was comparable to those from reported lignocellulosic hydrolysates. The result of the study proved that mature back spear grass, commonly known as tanglehead, which is less useful as fooder due to lower nutrient, clogs animal furs and, sticks to human walker’s clothes, can be hydrolyzed with little cost to produce fermentable sugars used as substrates for producing such biotechnological products as, biofuels, biogas, and bacterial cellulose. Keywords : Reducing sugar, Spear grass hydrolysate, pH, Gluconacetobacter xylinus

Batch bioethanol production via the biological and chemical saccharification of some Egyptian marine macroalgae.

Marine seaweeds (macroalgae) cause an eutrophication problem and affects the touristic activities. The success of the production of the third-generation bioethanol from marine macroalgae depends mainly on the development of an ecofriendly and eco-feasible pretreatment (i.e. hydrolysis) technique, a highly effective saccharification step and finally an efficient bioethanol fermentation step. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potentiality of different marine macroalgal strains, collected from Egyptian coasts, for bioethanol production via different saccharification processes. Different marine macroalgal strains, red Jania rubens, green Ulva lactuca and brown Sargassum latifolium, have been collected from Egyptian Mediterranean and Red Sea shores. Different hydrolysis processes were evaluated to maximize the extraction of fermentable sugars; thermochemical hydrolysis with diluted acids (HCl and H2 SO4 ) and base (NaOH), hydrothermal hydrolysis followed by saccharification with different fungal strains and finally, thermochemical hydrolysis with diluted HCl, followed by fungal saccharification. The hydrothermal hydrolysis of S. latifolium followed by biological saccharification using Trichoderma asperellum RM1 produced maximum total sugars of 510mgg-1 macroalgal biomass. The integration of the hydrothermal and fungal hydrolyses of the macroalgal biomass with a separate batch fermentation of the produced sugars using two Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, produced approximately 0·29g bioethanolg-1 total reducing sugars. A simulated regression modelling for the batch bioethanol fermentation was also performed. This study supported the possibility of using seaweeds as a renewable source of bioethanol throughout a suggested integration of macroalgal biomass hydrothermal and fungal hydrolyses with a separate batch bioethanol fermentation process of the produced sugars. The usage of marine macroalgae (i.e. seaweeds) as feedstock for bioethanol; an alternative and/or complimentary to petro-fuel, would act as triple fact solution; bioremediation process for ecosystem, renewable energy source and economy savings.

RSM based optimization of nutritional conditions for cellulase mediated Saccharification by Bacillus cereus

BackgroundCellulases are enzyme which have potential applications in various industries. Researchers are looking for potential cellulolytic bacterial strains for industrial exploitation. In this investigation, cellulase production of Bacillus cereus was explored while attacking poplar twigs. The bacterium was isolated from the gut of freshwater fish, Labeo rohita and identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology. Various nutritional conditions were screened and optimized through response surface methodology. Initially, Plackett-Burman design was used for screening purpose and optimization was conducted through Box-Bhenken design.ResultsThe maximum cellulase production occurred at 0.5% yeast extract, 0.09% MgSO4, 0.04% peptone, 2% poplar waste biomass, initial medium pH of 9.0, and inoculum size of 2% v/v at 37 °C with agitation speed of 120 rpm for 24 h of submerged fermentation. The proposed model for optimization of cellulase production was found highly significant. The indigenously produced cellulase enzyme was employed for saccharification purpose at 50 °C for various time periods. Maximum total sugars of 31.42 mg/ml were released after 6 h of incubation at 50 °C.The efficiency of this enzyme was compared with commercial cellulase enzyme revealing significant findings.ConclusionThese results suggested potential utilization of this strain in biofuel industry.

Comparative analysis of strong and weak acid pretreatment methods under pressurized and non-pressurized conditions for agro-industrial waste of apple pulp

It is well known that energy-related emissions have been increasing the global warming and pushing the climate change. In the face of this situation biomass-based biofuels, which is a kind of renewable energy source, are great alternatives instead of fossil derivative fuels. Moreover, biomass can be found easily and widely, which makes it an economical alternative. Biological conversation rate of the biomass to the biofuel is insufficient because of the molecular structure of the biomass. Pretreatment is required to increase the bioavailability of the biomass as the raw material. In this study, weak and strong acid pretreatments are studied under pressurized and non-pressurized conditions for apple pulp as biomass, which is an agro-industrial residue coming from industrial plants. Box-Behnken statistical design is used to determine the optimum level of some factors as time, chemical dose, and raw material dose. While the maximum total sugar concentration was found to be 23.71 g/L with sulfuric acid pretreatment, the reduced sugar concentration under pressurized conditions with strong acid pretreatment was found as 17.00 g/L.

The Effects of Some Summer Pruning and Humic Substance Applications on The Nutritional Value of ‘Alphonse Lavallée’ Grape Cultivar

Viticulture is an important agricultural branch in Turkey. Grape is the most grown fruit species in Turkey. The study was conducted with ‘Alphonse Lavallee’ grape variety (Vitis vinifera L.) grown on grafted 1103 Paulsen rootstock in Turkey in 2016. In the study effects of Control (C), 1/3 Cluster Tip Reduction (1/3 CTR), Shoot Tip Reduction (STR), Humic Substance Application (HS), 1/3 CTR + STR, 1/3 CTR + HS, STR + HS, 1/3 CTR + STR + HS applications on nutritive values were investigated. According to results; the maximum dry matter content 87.64 g/100 g with HS, 87.76 g/100 g with 1/3 CTR + HS, 87.78 with STR + HS and 87.67 with 1/3 CTR + STR + HS applications; the maximum crude protein 3.38 g/100 g with HS and 3.40 g/100 g with STR + HS applications; the maximum crude cellulose 4.46 g/100 g with HS application; the maximum total sugar content 64.64 g/100 g with STR and 64.64 g/100 g with HS applications were obtained. No statistically significant difference was found in terms of crude ash content.

Anaerobic digestion of citrus waste using two-stage membrane bioreactor

Anaerobic digestion is a promising method to treat citrus waste. However, the presence of limonene in citrus waste inhibits anaerobic digestion process. Limonene is an antimicrobial compound and could inhibit methane forming bacteria that takes a longer time to recover than the injured acid forming bacteria. Hence, volatile fatty acids will be accumulated and methane production will be decreased. One way to solve this problem is by conducting anaerobic digestion process into two stages. The first step is aimed for hydrolysis, acidogenesis, and acetogenesis reactions and the second stage is aimed for methanogenesis reaction. The separation of the system would further allow each stage in their optimum conditions making the process more stable. In this research, anaerobic digestion was carried out in batch operations using 120 ml-glass bottle bioreactors in 2 stages. The first stage was performed in free-cells bioreactor, whereas the second stage was performed in both bioreactor of free cells and membrane bioreactor. In the first stage, the reactor was set into ‘anaerobic’ and ‘semi-aerobic’ conditions to examine the effect of oxygen on facultative anaerobic bacteria in acid production. In the second stage, the protection of membrane towards the cells against limonene was tested. For the first stage, the basal medium was prepared with 1.5 g VS of inoculum and 4.5 g VS of citrus waste. The digestion process was carried out at 55°C for four days. For the second stage, the membrane bioreactor was prepared with 3 g of cells that were encased and sealed in a 3×6 cm2 polyvinylidene fluoride membrane. The medium contained 40 ml basal medium and 10 ml liquid from the first stage. The bioreactors were incubated at 55°C for 2 days under anaerobic condition. The results from the first stage showed that the maximum total sugar under ‘anaerobic’ and ‘semi-aerobic’ conditions was 294.3 g/l and 244.7 g/l, respectively. The corresponding values for total volatile fatty acids were 3.8 g/l and 2.9 g/l, respectively. Methane production of citrus waste taken from the first stage under ‘anaerobic’ condition in membrane and free-cells bioreactors was 11.2 Nml and 7.2 Nml, respectively. Whereas, methane production of citrus waste taken from the first stage under ‘semi-aerobic’ condition in membrane and free-cells bioreactors was 8.8 Nml and 5.7 Nml, respectively. It can be seen from the results of the first stage that volatile fatty acids from ‘anaerobic’ condition was higher than that of ‘semi-aerobic’ condition. The absence of oxygen provides the optimal condition for growth and metabolism of facultative and obligatorily anaerobic bacteria in the first stage. Furthermore, polyvinylidene fluoride membrane was able to protect the cells from antimicrobial compounds.

Optimization of thermal acid hydrolysis for bioethanol production from Ulva rigida with yeast Pachysolen tannophilus

We investigated the feasibility of bioethanol production from hydrolysate of green seaweed Ulva rigida. The pretreatment of the green macroalgae was optimized using thermal acid hydrolysis to obtain a high reducing sugars yield. The dry seaweed biomass, (5 to 15% w/v) was hydrolyzed with two different acid catalysts, H2SO4 and HCl at a concentration of 0 to 10.0% (v/v). The hydrolysis times ranging from 30 to 60min were investigated when the mixture was autoclaved. A condition of 4% (v/v) sulfuric acid, 10% (w/v) biomass loading and 1h of incubation time was optimum to obtain maximum total fermentable reducing sugar concentration of 34±0.25mg/ml and 0.50±0.02mg/ml of phenolic compounds. Fermentation of the hydrolysate using adapted and non-adapted Pachysolen tannophilus produced 0.12g/g and 0.09g/g (ethanol to dry seaweed), respectively. These preliminaries results indicate a potential use of the macroalgae U. rigida for bioethanol production.

Flowering and physico-chemical characters of Santa Rosa plum as affected by nitrogen and boron

Present study was conducted in a farmer's orchard near SKUAST-Kashmir, Srinagar during 2012 and 2013 on seven year old Santa Rosa plum to examine the effect of nitrogenous fertilizer and boron on flowering and physio-chemical characters. Urea @ 500 g (N1), CaNO3 @ 1450 g (N2), N1 + 50 g boron (N3) and N2 + 50 g boron (N4) were applied at T1 = Full dose in spring, T2 = Full dose after harvest and T3 = 3/4 dose in spring and 1/4 dose after harvest. Early flowering and maturity of fruits was recorded in N1 T3 and N1 T1. N1 T1 recorded maximum fruit weight (40.24 g and 41.02 g), fruit length (38.37 mm and 39.55 mm), fruit diameter (40.42 mm and 41.60 mm) and pulp weight (38.90 g and 39.67 g) in both the years. N4 T1 treatment registered maximum TSS (15.66 and 16.69°Brix) and maximum total sugar (9.15 and 9.21%) was recorded in N2 T1 treatment. Both sources of nitrogen and boron can be considered as best fertilizer in plum orchards for proper flowering, high yield and improving quality of the fruits.

Growth, yield and fruit quality of Kinnow mandarin as affected through foliar application of zinc and boron

The investigation was undertaken with a view to determine the growth, yield and fruit quality of Kinnowmandarin as affected through foliar application of zinc and boron. The results revealed that combined applicationof 0.2 per cent boric acid + 0.5 per cent zinc sulphate at fruit set and peach size stage of fruit through foliarspray exerted significant influence on plant height, tree spread and shoot length. The maximum fruit retention (71.77%), number of fruits plant−1(486.24), fruit weight (163.23 g), fruit volume (194.79 cc), fruit diameter (7.16 cm), yield plant−1 (79.32 kg) and yield ha−1 (31.73 t) were recorded in treatment T9 (0.2 per cent boric acid + 0.5per cent zinc). The same treatment had markedly influenced the quality of Kinnow fruit and the maximum TSS (12.18 oBrix), TSS/acid ratio (16.66), reducing sugars (3.87%), total sugar (7.22%), ascorbic acid (25.16mg/100 g)and juice content (41.43%) were recoreded in this traetement (T9). The lowest acidity (0.73%) and rind thickness (2.79 mm) were also recorded in treatment T9 (0.2 per cent boric acid + 0.5 per cent zinc). This treatment alsoincreased the zinc (100.08 ppm) and boron (80.81 ppm) level of kinnow mandarin leaves.

Catalysed-microwave based Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Biomass of Camelina Sativa L. for Bio-Fuel Production

<p>Lignocellulosic biomasses are promising alternative resource for bio-fuel production. But due to the recalcitrant nature of lignin and hemicellulose, necessitates an efficient pre-treatment process to improve the yield of reducing sugars and maximising the enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency. Catalysed-microwave pre-treatment may be a good alternative as compared to other methods since it can reduce the time and improve the enzymatic activity during hydrolysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the catalysed-microwave based pre-treatment of lignocellulosic biomass of Camelina sativa straw (CSS) to overcome the recalcitrant nature of cellulosic biomass. The microwave-alkaline (2 % NaOH) pre-treatment of CSS at 250 W for 10 min yields maximum (~422 mg/g) total soluble sugars (TSS) production during hydrolysis. Likewise, the maximum glucose content (~294 mg/g) was measured in 2 % alkaline-microwave pre-treatment for 10 min at RT. However, slight increase in lignin degradation was observed with the increase in alkaline hydroxide concentration and microwave irradiation exposure time. The maximum degradation in lignin content (~83 %) was measured in 3 % alkaline-microwave pre-treatment for 20 min at RT. Our results suggest that the microwave-alkaline pre-treatment approach may be employed for comprehensive utilisation of CSS biomass of Camelina sativa L. cv. Calena (EC643910) for bio-fuel production.</p>

Evaluation of dilute acid pretreatment for bioethanol fermentation from sugarcane bagasse pith

Sugarcane bagasse pith is the most abundant agricultural waste in Thailand and an attractive raw material for biosugar production using dilute acid pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. In this study, the raw material was pretreated at 121 °C with different sulfuric acid concentrations (0%, 1%, 2%, 3% or 4% volume per volume, v/v) and pretreatment times (30, 60 or 90 min). The pretreated solid was hydrolyzed using a commercial enzyme (Celluclast® 1.5L). The maximum total sugars yield (53.7 g/100 g dry bagasse pith) was achieved at 1–2% v/v H2SO4 for 90 min, representing 67% of total sugars in the bagasse pith. For ethanol production, simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) and separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) processes were employed using Pichia stipitis JCM 10742. The results indicated that both the ethanol concentration and productivity using SSF were higher than from the SHF process. The ethanol concentration and productivity using SSF were 3.70 g/L and 0.15 g/L/hr in 24 h fermentation, respectively, while for the SHF process the results were 2.58 g/L and 0.09 g/L/hr in 30 h fermentation, respectively.

Two-stage thermophilic bio-hydrogen and methane production from oil palm trunk hydrolysate using Thermoanaerobacterium thermosaccharolyticum KKU19

The two-stage process for thermophilic bio-hydrogen production followed by methane production was examined on a hydrolysate obtained from oil palm trunk (OPT). The optimum conditions for lime pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of OPT was a lime loading of 0.2 g Ca(OH)2/g-OPT, pretreatment time of 60 min, temperature of 121 °C and enzyme loading of 35 filter paper units/g-OPT. A maximum total reducing sugar yield of 473 mg/g-OPT was obtained, which was 2.7-fold higher than that of untreated OPT. The OPT hydrolysate was used as a substrate for bio-hydrogen production by Thermoanaerobacterium thermosaccharolyticum KKU19 in the first stage. The maximum hydrogen production potential of 2179 mL H2/Lsubstrate was obtained under the optimum conditions of 16.5 g/L initial substrate concentration, initial pH of 6.7 and 54.5 °C, respectively. Acidic effluent was used to produce methane in the second stage in which the methane yield of 272.4 mL/g-chemical oxygen demand (COD) was achieved. The two-stage hydrogen and methane production resulted in energy yield of 10.6 kJ/g-CODadded with 83% COD removal.

Efficacy of bio-fertilizers and mulching on growth, yield and quality of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) cv. Chandler

A study was undertaken to examine the efficacy of bio-fertilizers and mulching on growth, yield and quality of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Chandler during two successive years, i.e. 2012-13 and 2013-14 at Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh), India. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications and ten treatments. One year old runners were used for planting. Significantly increase in plant height (19.20 and 18.70cm), number of leaves (17.15 and 16.75), number of runners (2.28 and 2.17) and number of crowns (2.78 and 2.64) per plant, whereas minimum number of days (66.00 and 65.33 days) to produce first flower, maximum number of flowers (16.18 and 15.87) and fruits set (15.13 and 14.72) per plant during both the years of experimentation was observed with strawberry plants treated with Azotobacter 7 kg/ha+black polythene mulch. Maximum duration ofharvesting (67.85 and 67.00 days) with higher yield (109.12 and 107.00 g/plant) of berries was also recorded with Azotobacter 7 kg/ha+black polythene mulch treated plants in both the years. As far the quality characters of berries are concerned, strawberry plants produced berries of significantly maximum length (2.92 and 2.90 cm), width (1.83 and 1.79 cm), weight (7.15 and 7.11g), volume (4.39 and 4.36 cc), TSS (7.19 and 7.16 0Brix), total sugars (5.63 and 5.60 %) and ascorbic acid (56.13 and 56.00 mg/100g pulp) with minimum acidity (0.250 and 0.249%) when treatedwith Azotobacter 7 kg/ha+black polythene mulch in northern plains of India.