ABSTRACT

Sunflower is among the major oil seeds crop grown in the world and the by-products generated during the seeds processing represent an attractive source of lignocellulosic biomass for bioprocesses. The conversion of lignocellulosic fibers into fermentable sugars has been considered as a promising alternative to increase the demand for ethanol. The present study aimed to establish the fermentation conditions for ethanol production by Scheffersomyces stipitis ATCC 58376 in sunflower meal hemicellulosic hydrolysate, through a 2³ CCRD (Central Composite Rotational Design) factorial design. Under the selected conditions (pH 5.25, 29 ºC and 198 rpm) the final ethanol concentration was 13.92 g L^-1 and the ethanol yield was 0.49 g g^-1.

Key words:
by-product; biomass; xylose; biofuel; optimization