Sequential hydrothermal fractionation of yeast Cryptococcus curvatus biomass

Bioresour Technol. 2014 Jul:164:106-12. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2014.04.059. Epub 2014 May 6.

Abstract

A sequential hydrothermal liquefaction (SEQHTL) process was evaluated in this work for fractionating different component of yeast biomass. Sugar and protein were separated first at a lower temperature, and the remaining biomass was then converted to bio-oil at a higher temperature. The separated aqueous products were investigated to be recycled as a carbon and nitrogen sources for the yeast culture. In the first step of SEQHTL, the temperature effect on the yield of sugar/protein and inhibitory compounds (acetic acid and 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (5HMF)) was investigated. The highest yields of sugar and protein and a minimal level of inhibitory compounds were obtained at 180°C. At the second step of SEQHTL, the highest bio-oil yield was achieved at 240°C. In comparison to the one-step hydrothermal liquefaction process, SEQHTL produced a higher quality bio-oil with higher fatty acid and lower nitrogen contents.

Keywords: Bio-oil; Cryptococcus curvatus; Hydrothermal liquefaction; Yeast.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acetic Acid / metabolism
  • Biofuels / microbiology
  • Biomass*
  • Charcoal / metabolism
  • Chemical Fractionation / methods*
  • Cryptococcus / metabolism*
  • Flame Ionization
  • Furaldehyde / analogs & derivatives
  • Furaldehyde / metabolism
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Temperature*
  • Water / chemistry*

Substances

  • Biofuels
  • biochar
  • Water
  • Charcoal
  • 5-hydroxymethylfurfural
  • Furaldehyde
  • Acetic Acid