Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast immobilized on marrow stem sunflower and polyacrylamide hydrogels

Biocatalysts with microorganisms immobilized on solid carriers could provide the solution for development of continuous industrial processes for ethanol obtaining by fermentation of sugars. In this study, modified polyacrylamide hydrogels and marrow stem sunflower are used as supports for Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast immobilization. The obtained structures are used for fermentation of molasses in batch systems. The free yeast cells are used as reference. The modification of polyacrilamide matrix with (2-hydroxyethyl)methacrylate has a positive effect on structure pore uniformity and fermentation performance. The mechanical properties of the obtained biocatalysts are compared. The novel natural matrix has net superior compression strength.