Xylose anaerobic conversion by open-mixed cultures

Xylose is, after glucose, the dominant sugar in agricultural wastes. In anaerobic environments, carbohydrates are converted into volatile fatty acids and alcohols. These can be used as building blocks in biotechnological or chemical processes, e.g., to produce bioplastics. In this study, xylose fermentation by mixed microbial cultures was...

Diversity of microbial communities in open mixed culture fermentations: Impact of the pH and carbon source

Anaerobic fermentation by an open mixed culture was investigated at different pH values (4–8.5) and with three substrates (glucose, glycerol and xylose). The populations established in each condition were assessed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene fragments. The fermentation pattern and the...

Directing product formation by mixed culture fermentation

Our society is dealing with the shortage of fossil fuels and chemical feedstocks and, on the other hand, with the increase of wastes generated by municipalities, agriculture and industries. Biobased industry, the conversion of renewable resources or wastes to chemicals and fuels, by microbial fermentations or enzymes has been receiving...