Non-sterile simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of corn leaves and stalks to l-lactic acid without external nutrient addition

Fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass requires auxiliary materials, including nutrients, to ensure the proliferation of microorganisms. Nutrients are usually inexpensive, but their contribution to the cost is considerable because of the very low prices of fermentation products, such as bio-ethanol. Using substances present in native lignocellulosic biomass as nutrients for fermentation was proposed and demonstrated. Leaves and stalks of corn plants were used as biomass, and nutrients were recovered as a nutrient solution by soaking them in water before alkaline peroxide pretreatment. Pretreated biomass and the nutrient solution derived from the same lot were used for non-sterile simultaneous enzymatic saccharification and thermophilic l-lactic acid fermentation (SSF). Using the nutrient solution in the saccharification step did not impact sugar recovery, and instead improved sugar yields because of the presence of eluted sugars in the solution. The l-lactic acid yield of 0.33 g g⁻¹ based on native biomass weight indicated that the nutrient solution functioned as a source of nutrients and sugars, especially as a source of essential phosphorus. Comparatively, autoclaved SSF yielded less or no l-lactic acid, indicating an apparent inhibitive effect derived from the nutrient solution on bacterial growth.