The TIME Project

The TIME project focused on improving the efficiency of converting lignocellulosics, plant material comprising cellulose and lignin, to ethanol. New techniques were developed for the pre-treatment and hydrolysis by enzymes. These stages were responsible for up to 50 % of current production costs. Therefore, TIME aimed to increase the ethanol yield while reducing the amount of energy consumed during the production process. This was achieved through high-consistency hydrolysis and fermentation technology, and the use of heat-tolerant yeast strains. The TIME project developed integrated high-temperature conversion technology which used thermophilic (heat-loving) enzymes and improved accessibility of substrates.

The first step required prehydrolysis, or liquefaction, at a high temperature followed by complete hydrolysis at a lower temperature. The enzymes required to both stages were identified and evaluated.

Results indicated that a separate high temperature stage for liquefaction of material at the beginning of the process was realistic. For best results, a complete set of heat-loving enzymes was used at the prehydrolysis stage. This made it possible to replace the conventional commercial mixture in the initial 24-hour stage of a two-step process. The mixture was replaced with an artificial mixture of cellulase proteins, which delivered a high hydrolysis yield without a corresponding increase in overall protein dosage.

The project's results provided a basis for the development of improved enzyme products which could remain stable at high temperatures in the range of 55 to 60°C. Those enzymes currently available to industry are stable at 45 to 50°C. Such an improvement means less protein is needed for the hydrolysis of the lignocellulosics substrate. This, in turn, helps to save time and money.

(Source ResearchEU)

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