Optimization of Process Conditions Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for Ethanol Production from Pretreated Sugarcane Bagasse: Kinetics and Modeling

Based on a five level central composite design (CCD) involving the variables substrate concentration (C), pH (P), incubation temperature (T) and fermentation time (H), a response surface methodology (RSM) for the production of ethanol from pretreated sugarcane bagasse by cellulase and yeast Kluyveromyces fragilis was standardized. The design contains a total of 31 experimental trials in which the first 24 organized in a factorial design and from 25 to 31 involving the replications of the central points. Data obtained from RSM on ethanol production were subjected to the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and analyzed using a second order polynomial equation. Maximum ethanol concentration (32.6 g/l) was obtained from 180 g/l pretreated sugarcane bagasse at the optimized process conditions (temperature 35°C, pH 5.5) in 72 h aerobic batch fermentation. Various kinetic models such as logistic model, logistic incorporated leudeking piret model and logistic incorporated modified leudeking piret model have been evaluated and the constants were predicted.