Production of 2,3-butanediol from blackstrap molasses

• Main Authors: Sen Gupta, I., Ibrahim, S., Ramachandran, K.B.
• Format: Article
• Published: 2001
• Subjects: T Technology (General); TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/9439/; http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-0035357761&partnerID=40&md5=7631a87edc15c06f53566f320f651b88 http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/1522-2640282001062973:63C654::AID-CITE65422223E3.0.CO;2-G/abstract http://www.readcube.com/articles/
• Institution: Universiti Malaya

2,3-Butanediol is an important chemical feedstock. Blackstrap molasses, which is the residual liquor after crystallization of brown sugar from sugar cane syrup was used as the substrate to produce 2,3-butanediol. Klebsiella oxytoca was used as the microorganism. Batch fermentation runs were carried out under moderately aerobic conditions in a 5 L fermenter at 37°C and pH 6.4. The combined yield of butanediol and acetoin was > 22 wt of the total sugar. Product yield could be doubled to 44 wt in batch fed operation. A value-added substance like 2,3-butanediol can be produced from an agricultural waste like blackstrap molasses by fermentation.