Optimization of cellulase synthesis by RSM and evaluation of ethanol production from enzymatically hydrolyzed sugarcane bagasse using <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i>

Abstract

This study presents ethanol production from enzymatically hydrolyzed sugarcane bagasse using <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i>.Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize conditions for the production of endo b-1, 4 glucanase component of cellulase using <i>Aspergillus nidulans </i>MTCC344 under solid state condition, employing pretreated bagasse as chief substrate. Cellulase thus produced was utilized for hydrolyses of pretreated bagasse resulting in soluble sugars. FTIR and XRD of bagasse

showed structural changes through pretreatment, in favor of enzymatic hydrolysis during cellulase production. Ethanol produced was found to be strongly dependent on pretreatment given, hydrolysis and fermentation conditions.