Bioprocess modelling for the design and optimization of lignocellulosic biomass fermentation

Abstract

Lignocellulosic feedstocks, which are currently under-exploited, can be used for the production of biofuels, such as ethanol, and for biorefinery applications to produce a variety of value-added products. Although bioconversion of lignocellulose by microbial or yeast fermentation have been reported, efficient and economical lignocellulosic fermentation process is still a challenge due to multiple process parameters involved for bioprocess design, optimization and scale-up. Bioprocess modelling strategies have been proven effective for achieving high-production process* efficiency in yield, productivity or titer of desired product. Several types of bioprocess modelling for lignocellulosic application have been developed and successfully validated as a promising alternative for rapid design, optimization and scaling up of biomass-based process. This review aims to summarize the important development of bioprocess modelling for lignocellulosic bioprocess applications towards the success of biorefineries and bio-based economy. In particular, we discuss modelling relevant to lignocellulosic bioprocess including cell modelling based on kinetics, stoichiometry and integrative approaches and fermentation kinetic modelling for process performance assessment. An overview of these modelling approaches and their application for systematic design of efficient and economical lignocellulose-based bioprocesses are given.

Keywords

Lignocellulosic bioprocess / Systematic process optimization / Integrative cell modelling / Fermentation model / Process integration

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Funding

Thailand Research Fund (Grant No. P-15-51025) and National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Thailand (Grant No. P-15-50042)