Abstract:

Solid matrix was added to fermentation medium for exploring the effect of solid matrix on ethanol fermentation in yeast cells. Results indicated that the addition of 2 g of straw, peanut hull, rice hull or wood shavings to 100 mL medium could improve ethanol production by 15.5%－24.8%. Rice hull was the most suitable solid matrix and the optimal technological parameters for rice hull were found to be: rice hull amount 2.5 g/100 mL; initial glucose concentration 12 g/100 mL; fermentation temperature 30 ℃, and fermentation time 48 h. Under these optimal conditions, the actual production of alcohol reached up to 51.8 g/L, which was 92.7% of the theoretical value.

Key words: yeast, ethanol fermentation, solid matrix, rice hull