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Consolidated Bioprocess for Bioethanol Production from Raw Flour of Brosimum alicastrum Seeds Using the Native Strain of Trametes hirsuta Bm-2

Summary

Scientists successfully used a wood-rotting fungus called Trametes hirsuta to convert ramon tree seeds (which contain lots of starch) into bioethanol in a simple one-step process. The fungus naturally produces its own enzymes to break down the starch and ferment it into ethanol, eliminating the need for expensive commercial enzymes. The leftover material from this process contains high protein content and could be used as animal feed, making the process economically attractive for sustainable biofuel production.

Background

Consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) integrates biological pretreatment, enzyme production, saccharification, and fermentation into a single process. Trametes hirsuta is a white-rot fungus capable of producing multiple enzymes. Brosimum alicastrum (ramon tree) seeds contain 61% starch, making them suitable for bioethanol production.

Objective

To evaluate the native strain of Trametes hirsuta Bm-2 for bioethanol production from Brosimum alicastrum seed flour using consolidated bioprocessing. To assess the strain’s capacity to produce hydrolytic enzymes and its tolerance to ethanol stress.

Results

The Bm-2 strain produced α-amylase with peak activity of 193.85 U/mL and laccase activity of 40 U/mL. The strain demonstrated high ethanol tolerance up to 13% v/v. Direct ethanol production from raw ramon flour reached 13 g/L with a yield of 123.4 mL/kg flour. Residual biomass contained 22.5% average protein content.

Conclusion

Trametes hirsuta Bm-2 successfully demonstrated consolidated bioprocessing for bioethanol production from starch-based materials without requiring commercial enzymes or external nitrogen sources. The residual biomass with high protein content adds value as a biorefinery co-product for animal feed, supporting the economic viability of the process.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/microorganisms7110483, PMID: 31652874
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