초록
<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Lignocellulosic material possesses a source of fermentable saccharides for biofuel production, however it must be supplemented with other nutrients for microbial growth. We have investigated the use of chicken feather as a source of amino acids and peptides. Alkaline hydrolysis of feather under mild conditions (80 °C, 0.6% NaOH) provided a highly solubilized preparation of assimilable nitrogen. Similar conditions were applicable for pre-treatment of wheat straw. The concentration of lignocellulose-derived inhibitors was low so washing or detoxification steps were unnecessary. Therefore, hydrolysis of both materials was carried out simultaneously, resulting in a cultivation medium that was suitable for direct use in biobutanol production. Thirteen strains of solventogenic clostridia were tested for their ability to produce butanol on this mixed hydrolysate; strains of <I>Clostridium beijerinckii</I> and <I>Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum</I> produced the highest butanol concentrations. The proposed process of simultaneous hydrolysis followed by direct inoculation was then demonstrated by experimental production of butanol in a laboratory bioreactor, using <I>C. beijerinckii</I> strain NCIMB 8052 and producing 4.6 g/L of butanol. Although process optimization is still required, we have shown that feather and wheat straw could be co-processed, forming a convenient mixed substrate for biobutanol production.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Chicken feather was introduced as a source of nitrogen for production of butanol. </LI> <LI> Mixed feather and wheat straw hydrolysate was used directly in butanol production. </LI> <LI> Mild alkaline treatment was applied for both substrates - feather and straw. </LI> <LI> No washing or detoxification step was necessary. </LI> </UL> </P>