Advances in ethanol production.

Barriers to the commercialization of lignocellulosic ethanol include the development of more robust biocatalysts, reduction of cellulase costs, and high capital cost associated with a complex process. Improvements have been made in all areas during the past two years. Oxidoreductases, transporters, and regulators have been identified that can increase the tolerance of biocatalysts to inhibitors formed during pretreatment.

Optimizing cellulase usage for improved mixing and rheological properties of acid-pretreated sugarcane bagasse.

Consolidation of bioprocessing steps with lignocellulose is limited by hydrolysate toxicity, the fibrous nature of suspensions, and low activity of cellulase enzymes. Combinations of enzyme dose and treatment conditions improved the flow properties and pumping of acid-pretreated sugarcane bagasse slurries (10% dry weight). Low levels of cellulase enzyme (0.