Assessing fermentation efficiency of sugarcane molasses

Abstract

Due to the gradual decline in the fossil fuel reserves and high pollution levels resulting from burning of fossil fuel, great concern to establish green and renewable sources of energy has increased around the world. Biofuels particularly bioethanol has been sought to be a better alternative for gasoline in combustion engines. This report assesses the fermentation efficiency for the production bioethanol from sugar cane molasses. Molasses is a viscous fluid; consequently, when it serves as a substrate, it needs to be dissolved in water to obtain the appropriate conditions for the yeast to work on it. Molasses contain cellulose, lignin, proteins, polysaccharides of amylopectin and amylose and disaccharides. Assessment identified that the fermentation efficiency was high, that is, about 80% but the rate reaction was slow. This results into a long period of time required for the complete reaction. The rate of reaction should be fast and for an appropriate short time to control ethanol inhibition of enzymes and also prevent formation secondary metabolites. The company is advised to install stirrers on fermenters to increase the mixing of fermentation contents. This increases the contact between yeast and substrate. It also increases the mixing molasses and water to form a homogeneous mixture that can be easily worked on by yeast.