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Applied Sciences
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Bioprocessing and Fermentation Technology for Biomass Conversion
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Bioprocessing and Fermentation Technology for Biomass Conversion

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 February 2025) | Viewed by 13985

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Harifara Rabemanolontsoa

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Guest Editor
International Advanced Energy Science Research and Education Center (IAESREC), Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
Interests: biomass conversion to biofuel; biochemicals; biomaterials; fermentation; bioprocess engineering; microbial biotechnology; biochemical engineering; applied microbiology
Dr. Joachim Venus

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Department of Microbiome Biotechnology, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
Interests: industrial biotechnology; bioconversion; bioengineering; bioprocesses; biomass and residues; biorefineries; microbial conversion processes; microbiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Andrew Ross

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
Interests: conversion of biomass and wet wastes into bioenergy and bioproducts; algal biotechnology; waste to energy; energy and nutrient cycling; thermochemical and biological processing of biomass
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biomass and biorefinery play a crucial role in addressing the pressing challenges of energy security, climate change, and sustainable development. Biomass is the only renewable resource that can be converted to chemicals and materials, in addition to energy.

The utilization of renewable biomass resources for energy, material, and chemical production offers significant environmental advantages over fossil fuels, as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on non-renewable resources. The Special Issue entitled "Bioprocessing and Fermentation Technology for Biomass Conversion" focuses on advancements in bioprocessing and fermentation technologies that enable the efficient conversion of biomass into bioenergy, chemicals, and materials.

This Special Issue includes the development of new technologies, novel feedstocks, biomass pretreatments, fermentation strategies, and the utilization of microorganisms in monoculture, coculture, and consortium systems. Additionally, studies on microbial engineering, cell factories, process optimization, algal biotechnology, anaerobic digestion, upstream and downstream processing, enzyme discovery and applications, life cycle assessment (LCA), and other related areas are also encouraged. The collection of articles will provide valuable insights into the latest research and innovation in the field, advancing the prospects of sustainable biorefinery and bioenergy production.

By exploring innovative strategies and solutions, this Special Issue contributes to the advancement of sustainable energy systems and the realization of a greener future.

Dr. Harifara Rabemanolontsoa
Dr. Joachim Venus
Dr. Andrew Ross
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • bioprocessing
  • fermentation technologies
  • biomass conversion
  • bioenergy production
  • fermentation strategies
  • microorganisms
  • bio-catalytic conversion
  • monoculture, coculture, consortium
  • microbial engineering
  • metabolic engineering
  • genome engineering
  • gene expression control
  • cell factory
  • process optimization
  • algal biotechnology
  • anaerobic digestion
  • upstream and downstream processing
  • enzyme discovery and applications
  • life cycle assessment (LCA)
  • biorefinery
  • bioenergy production

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 177 KiB  
Editorial
Bioprocessing and Fermentation Technology for Biomass Conversion
by Adeline A. J. Wall, Harifara Rabemanolontsoa and Joachim Venus
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14010005 - 19 Dec 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4025
Abstract
In an era where concerns about climate change intersect with the global energy crisis, there is a growing emphasis on alternative resources [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioprocessing and Fermentation Technology for Biomass Conversion)

Research

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19 pages, 1284 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Potential of Desmodesmus sp. KNUA231 for Bioenergy and Biofertilizer Applications and Its Adaptability to Environmental Stress
by Yeon-Su Shin, Jeong-Mi Do, Hae-Seo Noh and Ho-Sung Yoon
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 5097; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15095097 - 3 May 2025
Viewed by 217
Abstract
As global energy demand continues to rise, microalgae have gained attention as a promising feedstock for biofuel production due to their environmental adaptability and renewable nature. This study investigated the growth performance and stress tolerance of Desmodesmus sp. KNUA231 under varying pH and [...] Read more.
As global energy demand continues to rise, microalgae have gained attention as a promising feedstock for biofuel production due to their environmental adaptability and renewable nature. This study investigated the growth performance and stress tolerance of Desmodesmus sp. KNUA231 under varying pH and salinity conditions to evaluate its potential as a biofuel candidate. The strain was cultivated under controlled laboratory conditions and exhibited stable growth across a broad pH range (4–10) and moderate salinity levels (up to 5 g L−1 NaCl), indicating its resilience to diverse environmental conditions. Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis revealed that the biodiesel properties of Desmodesmus sp. KNUA231 comply with ASTM and EN standards in specific parameters, reinforcing its feasibility as a renewable biofuel feedstock. Additionally, its high calorific value (CV) suggests its potential as an energy-dense biomass source. The results of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP) analysis show that the soil is supplied with essential nutrients while minimizing heavy metal contamination, suggesting the possibility of biofertilizers. Although Desmodesmus sp. KNUA231 demonstrated promising characteristics for biofuel applications, further research is required to optimize large-scale cultivation and improve productivity for industrial applications. These findings highlight the potential of Desmodesmus sp. KNUA231 as a biofuel resource, particularly in non-optimal environmental conditions where pH and salinity fluctuations are common, contributing to the ongoing search for sustainable bioenergy solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioprocessing and Fermentation Technology for Biomass Conversion)
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10 pages, 1139 KiB  
Article
Saccharomyces cerevisiae’s Response to Dysprosium Exposure
by Masao Kishida and Shizue Yoshihara
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 4426; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15084426 - 17 Apr 2025
Viewed by 155
Abstract
Lanthanide biosorption is important for recycling value-added materials. Previously, we analyzed dysprosium (Dy) absorption in screening strains of the unpopular yeast species Schizoblastosporion sp. However, it would be more desirable to use the well-known yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to make an easy-to-breed and efficient [...] Read more.
Lanthanide biosorption is important for recycling value-added materials. Previously, we analyzed dysprosium (Dy) absorption in screening strains of the unpopular yeast species Schizoblastosporion sp. However, it would be more desirable to use the well-known yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to make an easy-to-breed and efficient Dy-absorbing strain. Thus, we analyzed the physiological response and gene regulation of S. cerevisiae under Dy-absorbing conditions. The Dy content was measured using an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES). Transcriptional regulation was compared under Dy-absorbing and non-absorbing conditions through mRNA analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). In the yeast cells, approximately 40% of the Dy was located in the cell wall fraction, and the remaining 60% was located in the intracellular fraction. qRT-PCR analysis showed that the expression of four genes, NCW2, PIR1, CRH1, and OLE1, was upregulated, and that of ATP14 was downregulated. These results suggest that NCW2, PIR1, and CRH1 were responsible for cell wall rearrangement; OLE1 initiated repair of the oxidative damage to the membrane lipids; and intracellular oxidation was caused by an imperfect ATP14 product. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioprocessing and Fermentation Technology for Biomass Conversion)
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20 pages, 1957 KiB  
Article
Effect of Ultrasound on Fermentation of Thick Molasses Worts by Distiller’s Yeast
by Andrea Maria Patelski, Aleksandra Kobalczyk, Urszula Dziekońska-Kubczak, Bartłomiej Januszewicz and Jarosław Domański
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3811; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073811 - 31 Mar 2025
Viewed by 359
Abstract
This study investigates the effect of ultrasonic treatment on the fermentation of molasses wort with a density range of 18–24 °Blg, using two high-performance Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains: Thermosacc Dry and Ethanol Red. The primary objective was to determine if ultrasound could accelerate [...] Read more.
This study investigates the effect of ultrasonic treatment on the fermentation of molasses wort with a density range of 18–24 °Blg, using two high-performance Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains: Thermosacc Dry and Ethanol Red. The primary objective was to determine if ultrasound could accelerate fermentation and increase ethanol yield. The research showed that ultrasonic treatment at 24 kHz significantly increased fermentation dynamics and ethanol yield by 5 to 20%, depending on the yeast strain and wort density. Higher wort densities (22–24 °Blg) showed more pronounced positive effects. Ultrasound treatment caused visible indentations in the yeast cell walls and promoted cell aggregation. In addition, the study investigated the influence of different ultrasound amplitudes on fermentation efficiency and showed that higher amplitudes further improved ethanol production in 22–24 °Blg worts. These results suggest that ultrasound can improve the efficiency and profitability of ethanol production, highlighting the potential for further research to optimise industrial fermentation processes. The application of ultrasound in biotechnology, particularly in fuel ethanol production, could lead to significant economic benefits on a global scale. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioprocessing and Fermentation Technology for Biomass Conversion)
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11 pages, 1201 KiB  
Article
Assembly of Cellulases from Separate Catalytic Domains and a Cellulose-Binding Module for Understanding Cooperative Crystalline Cellulose Degradation
by Katharina K. I. Schmitt and Hidehiko Hirakawa
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 2214; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15042214 - 19 Feb 2025
Viewed by 439
Abstract
The biochemical degradation of abundant cellulosic biomass for industrial use and energy production has been extensively researched in recent years. Some elaborate cellulose digestion approaches have been developed based on specialized bacteria, which possess sophisticated mechanisms to efficiently degrade recalcitrant natural carbohydrates. In [...] Read more.
The biochemical degradation of abundant cellulosic biomass for industrial use and energy production has been extensively researched in recent years. Some elaborate cellulose digestion approaches have been developed based on specialized bacteria, which possess sophisticated mechanisms to efficiently degrade recalcitrant natural carbohydrates. In this study, we assembled catalytic domains from multiple cellulolytic enzymes onto a scaffold along with a cellulose-binding module (CBM), specifically targeting crystalline cellulose. The catalytic domains of endoglucanase and cellobiohydrolase from Acetivibrio thermocellus were linked to a heterotrimeric protein scaffold that assembles in a specific order. The bicatalytic complex failed to show the anticipated synergistic effect in cooperative cellulolysis, presumably because the catalytic domains only serve as weak anchors for each other in binding to the substrate. On the other hand, cellulose digestion was remarkably promoted by incorporating a CBM into a stable complex with a catalytic domain. Interestingly, the reversible association of catalytic domains and excess CBM proved more advantageous than fixed association. This suggests that the dynamic incorporation of CBM units enhances the accessibility of cellulose-degrading catalytic modules to the polysaccharide strand by preventing overly strong binding. This finding could have interdisciplinary applications for enzymes converting polymeric substrates other than cellulose. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioprocessing and Fermentation Technology for Biomass Conversion)
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16 pages, 2714 KiB  
Article
Treatment of Swine Wastewater Using the Domestic Microalga Halochlorella rubescens KNUA214 for Bioenergy Production and Carotenoid Extraction
by Yu-Hee Seo, Jeong-Mi Do, Ho-Seong Suh, Su-Bin Park and Ho-Sung Yoon
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(24), 11650; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142411650 - 13 Dec 2024
Viewed by 925
Abstract
The management of swine wastewater (SW) presents significant environmental challenges, requiring solutions that combine effective treatment with resource recovery. This study highlights the dual role of microalgae in wastewater remediation and bioenergy production. H. rubescens KNUA214 was cultivated in media containing varying concentrations [...] Read more.
The management of swine wastewater (SW) presents significant environmental challenges, requiring solutions that combine effective treatment with resource recovery. This study highlights the dual role of microalgae in wastewater remediation and bioenergy production. H. rubescens KNUA214 was cultivated in media containing varying concentrations of diluted swine wastewater (DSW; 0%, 25%, 50%, and 100%). Cultivating with Blue Green-11 (BG-11) medium + 50% DSW maximized biomass growth, the chlorophyll content, and carotenoid production. Nutrient removal efficiency in 100% DSW over 8 days demonstrated reductions of 59.3% in total nitrogen, 67.7% in ammonia nitrogen, and 40.7% in total phosphorus, confirming the species’ capacity for effective wastewater treatment. The carotenoid analysis using HPLC revealed that astaxanthin, lutein, canthaxanthin, and beta-carotene exhibited the highest levels in BG-11 + 50% DSW. Furthermore, the biomass analyses confirmed its potential for bioenergy applications, with high calorific values and significant polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations, enhancing its utility for bioenergy and biolubricant production. These findings position H. rubescens KNUA214 as an effective resource for integrating SW management with the sustainable production of high-value biochemicals, offering environmental and economic benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioprocessing and Fermentation Technology for Biomass Conversion)
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16 pages, 1870 KiB  
Article
Waste Bread as Raw Material for Ethanol Production: Effect of Mash Preparation Methods on Fermentation Efficiency
by Maria Balcerek, Urszula Dziekońska-Kubczak, Katarzyna Pielech-Przybylska, Anna Oleszczak, Magdalena Koń and Andrea Maria Patelski
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(20), 9565; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14209565 - 20 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1890
Abstract
The issue of managing waste bread is a global concern, with significant environmental and the economic implications. The utilisation of waste bread for bioethanol production, employing energy-saving technology, could prevent these consequences and reduce the consumption of traditionally used fossil fuels. The objective [...] Read more.
The issue of managing waste bread is a global concern, with significant environmental and the economic implications. The utilisation of waste bread for bioethanol production, employing energy-saving technology, could prevent these consequences and reduce the consumption of traditionally used fossil fuels. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the type of waste bread (wheat and wheat–rye sourdough) and the mash preparation method on the results of alcoholic fermentation and the concentration of selected congeners in the distillates. The highest fermentation efficiency (96% of theoretical) was achieved for both types of bread through the utilisation of the pressureless starch liberation method combined with simultaneous saccharification and fermentation. The separate saccharification of starch resulted in lower process efficiencies (from 85.75 to 88.60% of theoretical). The application of the native starch hydrolysis method (without starch activation) for the fermentation of wheat bread-based mashes exhibited a higher efficiency (87.85% of the theoretical) than that observed for the wheat–rye bread-based mash sample (83.74% of theoretical). All of the obtained spirit distillates exhibited a low concentration of methanol (≤300 mg/L alcohol 100% v/v) and comply with the requirements of the EU regulation for ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin (rectified spirit). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioprocessing and Fermentation Technology for Biomass Conversion)
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15 pages, 518 KiB  
Article
Bioconversion of Apple Pomace to Meyerozyma guilliermondii and Scheffersomyces stipitis Biomass
by Andrea Maria Patelski, Małgorzata Ciach, Urszula Dziekońska-Kubczak, Agnieszka Nowak, Maria Balcerek and Katarzyna Pielech-Przybylska
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(14), 6108; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14146108 - 13 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1146
Abstract
Poland is one of the leading apple-producing countries, both in Europe and around the world. One of the main byproducts of apple processing is pomace, which can account for 20–35% of the harvested apples. Pomace is a potential source of many valuable bioactive [...] Read more.
Poland is one of the leading apple-producing countries, both in Europe and around the world. One of the main byproducts of apple processing is pomace, which can account for 20–35% of the harvested apples. Pomace is a potential source of many valuable bioactive components and can also serve as a food ingredient, either directly or indirectly (after bioconversion with fodder yeast). This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of converting polysaccharides contained in apple pomace to yeast biomass. Meyerozyma guilliermondii and Scheffersomyces stipitis yeasts were grown in a medium prepared by pretreatment of the raw material with water or 2% sulphuric acid at 120 °C. Subsequently, enzymatic hydrolysis was performed using a Cellic CTec2 preparation at 30 °C or 50 °C. The resulting hydrolysates were enriched with ammonium salts, and shaken yeast cultures were incubated at 30 °C for 72 h. Based on the results, it can be concluded that acid pretreatment of apple pomace is more effective than water pretreatment under the same time and temperature conditions. The Meyerozyma guilliermondii strain grows in apple pomace hydrolysates more efficiently (16.29 g/L) than Scheffersomyces stipitis cells do (14.63 g/L). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioprocessing and Fermentation Technology for Biomass Conversion)
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Review

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16 pages, 1008 KiB  
Review
Potential Applications of Yeast Biomass Derived from Small-Scale Breweries
by Marcin Łukaszewicz, Przemysław Leszczyński, Sławomir Jan Jabłoński and Joanna Kawa-Rygielska
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(6), 2529; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14062529 - 17 Mar 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2820
Abstract
Yeast biomass, a brewery by-product of the world’s substantial alcohol beverage industry, finds successful applications in the fodder industry and food additive production. This is attributed to its rich nutritional profile that comprises high protein and vitamin content. Nonetheless, in small-scale breweries, yeast [...] Read more.
Yeast biomass, a brewery by-product of the world’s substantial alcohol beverage industry, finds successful applications in the fodder industry and food additive production. This is attributed to its rich nutritional profile that comprises high protein and vitamin content. Nonetheless, in small-scale breweries, yeast slurries present a significant challenge, as the quantities obtained are insufficient to attract the attention of the food industry. The disposal of yeast contributes substantially to the organic load of wastewater (approximately 40%) and elevates water consumption (3–6 hL/hL of beer), consequently escalating production costs and environmental impact. In recent years, diverse potential applications of products derived from yeast biomass have emerged, encompassing the substitution of sera in cell culture media, the fortification of animal feed with vitamins and selenium, the utilization of beta-glucan in low-fat food products, and the development of functional foods incorporating yeast-derived peptides. These peptides exhibit the potential to safeguard the gastric mucosa, prevent hypertension, and address neurodegenerative disorders. The rising demand for value-added products derived from yeast underscores the potential profitability of processing yeast from small breweries. Due to the high equipment costs associated with yeast biomass fractionation, the establishment of specialized facilities in collaboration with multiple small breweries appears to be the most optimal solution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioprocessing and Fermentation Technology for Biomass Conversion)
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