Second-Generation Bioethanol Production through a Simultaneous Saccharification-Fermentation Process Using Kluyveromyces Marxianus Thermotolerant Yeast

Abstract

Due to the present renewable fuels demand increase, reduction of second-generation bio-ethanol production cost is pursued, since it is considered the most promising biofuel, but not yet economically viable. A proposed solution is its production through a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process (SSF); however, it is necessary to apply temperatures above 40°C, which reduce the viability of traditional ethanologenic yeasts. As consequence , the use of thermotolerant ethanologenic yeast has been suggested, among which the yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus stands out. This chapter addresses the production of second-generation bioethanol through the SSF process, emphasizing the potential of K. marxianus to transform lignocellulosic biomass as agave bagasse. As result, it is proposed to direct the second-generation bioethanol production to the SSF process employing ther-motolerant yeasts, to increase process productivity, and addressing the economic barriers.