Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Cellulase recovery via membrane filtration

  • Published:
Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A combined sedimentation and membrane filtration process was investigated for recycling cellulase enzymes in the biomass-to-ethanol process. In the first stage, lignocellulose particles longer than approx 50 μm were removed by means of sedimentation in an inclined settler. Microfiltration was then utilized to remove the remaining suspended solids. Finally, the soluble cellulase enzymes were recovered by ultrafiltration. The perm eate fluxes obtained in microfiltration and ultrafiltration were approx 400 and 80 L/(m2·h), respectively. A preliminary economic analysis shows that the cost benefit of enzyme recycling may be as much as 18 cents/gal of ethanol produced, provided that 75% of the enzyme is recycled in active form.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Lynd, L. R., Wyman, C. E., and Gerngross, T. U. (1999), Biotechnol. Prog. 15, 777–793.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. McCoy, M. (1998), C&EN 12, 29–32.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Lee, J. (1997), J. Biotechnol. 56, 1–24.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Wooley, R., Ruth, M., Sheehan, J., Ibsen, K., Majdeski, H., and Galvez, A. (1999), NREL/TP-580-26157. National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Nguyen, O. A., Keller, F. A., Tucker, M. P., et al. (1999), Appl. Biochem. Biotechnol. 77/79, 455–472.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Hill, W. D., Rothfus, R. R., and Li, K. (1977), Int. J. Multiphase Flow 3, 561–583.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Acrivos, A. and Herbolzheimer, E. (1979), J. Fluid Mech. 92, 435–457.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Davis, R. H. and Gecol, H. (1996), Int. J. Multiphase Flow 22, 563–574.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Davis, R. H. and Acrivos, A. (1985), Annu Rev. Fluid Mech. 17, 91–118.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Kroner, K. H., Schutte, H., Hustedt, H., and Kula, M. R. (1984), Process Biochem. April, 67–74.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Davis, R. H., Zhang, X., and Agarwala, J. P. (1989), Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 28, 785–793.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Kuberkar, V. T. and Davis, R. H. (2000), J. Membr. Sci. 168, 245–260.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Kuberkar, V. T., Czekaj, P., and Davis, R. H. (1998), Biotech. Bioeng 60, 70–87.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Roseiro, J. C., Conceição, A. C., and Amaral-Collaço, M. T. (1993) Bioresour. Technol. 43, 155–160.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Colorado, 80309-0424, Boulder, CO

    Wendy D. Mores, Jeffrey S. Knutsen & Robert H. Davis

Authors
  1. Wendy D. Mores
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jeffrey S. Knutsen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Robert H. Davis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Robert H. Davis.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Mores, W.D., Knutsen, J.S. & Davis, R.H. Cellulase recovery via membrane filtration. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 91, 297–309 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1385/ABAB:91-93:1-9:297

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/ABAB:91-93:1-9:297

Index Entries

Search

Navigation