Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1970. / Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliography.

Le lactosérum est un résidu liquide laitier qui a lieu pendant la fermentation du fromage. Il est composé par lactose (le solide principal de substance sèche), protéines, vitamines et minéraux. À cause de ces éléments, sa demande biologique et chimique d’oxygène (DBO) et (DCO) est grande (30 < DBO < 50 g/L; and 60 < DCO < 80 g/L). Il est nécessaire donc de traiter le lactosérum avant d’en jeter dans les lacs, les rivières, etc. La valorisation du lactosérum par des bactéries est d’un grand potentiel technique non seulement pour la réduction de DBO et DCO mais aussi pour obtenir des produits comme le 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD). Des bactéries comme Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae et Paenibacillus polymyxa consomment et transforment des saccharides comme lactose en 2,3-BD. Il en est d’autres, comme Escherichia coli, qui doivent être génétiquement modifiées car elles n’ont pas le chemin enzymatique pour produire 2,3-BD. De cette manière l’objectif principal de cette recherche est celui de tester l’habilité d’une souche génétiquement modifié d’E. coli pour transformer le lactose (un disaccharide) en 2,3-BD afin de savoir le potentiel du lactosérum comme une source de lactose. La souche d’E. coli JFR12 (ECGM12) a été utilisée pour fermenter trois concentrations de glucose, galactose et lactose (12.5, 25 and 50 g/L) enrichirent M9. Le rendement de 2,3-BD le plus grand (36% environ, g 2,3-BD/g saccharide) fut obtenu en présence de 25 g/L de glucose et lactose; quoique l’usage de n’importe quelle concentration de galactose produisît des rendements plus pauvres de 2,3-BD. En plus, 2 mélanges de glucose-galactose ont été testés (1:1, w/w) à une concentration finale du 25 et 50 g/L de mélange. Les rendements de 2,3-BD obtenus ont été très similaires à les obtenus avec du galactose comme l’unique source de carbone. Par conséquent, une hypothèse a été formulée: l’usage de galactose entrave la formation de 2,3-BD, alors que les enzymes impliquent dans l’hydrolyse du lactose pourraient neutraliser l’effet du galactose et de cette manière, les rendements de 2,3-BD ont pu être hauts / Whey is a dairy effluent generated during the cheese manufacturing. Its composition presents lactose (the main solid of dry matter), proteins, vitamins and minerals. Due to these compounds, its biological (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) are high (30 < BOD < 50 g/L; and 60 < COD < 80 g/L). Therefore, it is necessary to treat the whey before releasing it into lakes, rivers, etc. The valorization of whey by bacteria is a potential technique not only for reducing the BOD and COD, but also to obtain products like 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD). Bacteria like Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Paenibacillus polymyxa consume and transform saccharides like lactose into 2,3-BD. Other bacteria such as Escherichia coli have to be genetically modified since they do not possess the enzymatic pathway to produce 2,3-BD. In this way, the main objective of this research is to test the ability of a genetically modified strain of E. coli to transform lactose (a disaccharide) into 2,3-BD in order to know the potential of whey as a lactose source. In this way, the E. coli JFR12 (ECGM12) was used to ferment three concentrations of glucose, galactose and lactose (12.5, 25 and 50 g/L) supplemented M9. The highest 2,3-BD yield (around 0.36 g 2,3-BD/g saccharide) was obtained in the presence of 25 g/L of glucose and lactose; whereas the use of whatever galactose concentration provided poorer yields of 2,3-BD compared to those obtained using glucose and lactose. Moreover, 2 mixture of glucose-galactose was tested (1:1, w/w) at a final concentration of 25 and 50 g/L of mixture. The 2,3-BD yields obtained were very similar to those using galactose as a sole carbon source. Therefore, it was hypothesized that galactose impedes the formation of 2,3-BD, whereas enzyme involved in the lactose hydrolysis might counteract the effect of galactose, leading to high 2,3-BD yields

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Chemical Engineering / Keith L. Hohn / In this study, Cu/ZSM-5 catalysts were used to catalyze the hydrodeoxygenation of 2,3-butanediol to butenes in a single reactor in the presence of hydrogen. The carbon selectivity of butenes increased with increasing SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio (lowering acidity of zeolite) and H₂/2,3-butanediol ratio. Cu/ZSM-5 with a SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio of 280 showed the best activity toward the production of butenes. On zeolite ZSM-5(280), the carbon selectivity of butenes increased with increasing copper loading and 19.2wt% of CuO showed the highest selectivity of butenes (maximum 71%). The optimal reaction temperature is around 250 °C. Experiments demonstrated that methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and 2-methylpropanal are the intermediates in the conversion of 2,3-butanediol to butenes. The optimal performance toward the production of butene is the result of a balance between copper and acid catalytic functions. Due to the functionalized nature of 2,3-butanediol, a variety of reactions can occur during the conversion of 2,3-butanediol, especially when multiple catalyst functionalities are present. To investigate the role of the metal (Cu) and acid sites in the process of reaction, the reaction kinetics for all major intermediate products (acetoin, MEK, 2-methylpropanal, 2-butanol and 2-methyl-1-propanol) were measured over Cu/ZSM-5(280), HZSM-5(280), and Cu/SiO₂ at 250 °C. The results showed that Cu is the active site for hydrogenation reactions, while the acidic sites on the zeolite are active for dehydration reactions. In addition, dehydration of alcohols over the zeolite is much faster than hydrogenation of ketone (MEK) and aldehyde (2-methylpropanal). A kinetic model employing Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetics was constructed in order to predict 2,3-butanediol chemistry over Cu/ZSM-5(280). The goal of this model was to predict the trends for all species involved in the reactions. Reactions were assumed to occur on two sites (acid and metal sites) with competitive adsorption between all species on those sites. Two different types of mesoporous materials (Al-MCM-48, Al-SBA-15) and hierarchical zeolite (meso-ZSM-5) were loaded with ~20wt% CuO and investigated in the conversion of 2,3-butanediol to butenes. The results showed that the existence of mesopores on the catalysts (Al-MCM-48 and Al-SBA-15 types) could decrease the selectivities of products from cracking reactions, especially C₃= and C₅=−C₇= by comparison with the catalyst with ~20wt% CuO loaded on the regular HZSM-5(280); meanwhile, the selectivity of C₈= from oligomerization of butenes was found to increase with increasing pore size of the catalysts. With respect to Cu/meso-ZSM-5(280) catalyst, it can be seen that the catalyst performs in a similar way to both Cu/ZSM-5(280) catalyst and mesoporous copper catalysts (Cu/Al-MCM-48 and Cu/Al-SBA-15) since both micropores (diameter of ~0.55 nm) and mesopores (pore size of ~23 nm) exist on meso-ZSM-5(280). The results from Cu catalysts were compared with four other metal catalysts (Ni, Pd, Rh and Pt). It was found that Cu is not very active for hydrogenation of butenes, but is active for hydrogenation of carbonyl groups (C=O) to form hydroxyl groups (−OH). Pd, on the other hand, is active in further hydrogenating butenes and other unsaturated hydrocarbons. Both Ni and Rh catalysts are good for hydrogenation of olefins and cracking of heavy hydrocarbons; however, Rh is not as good as Ni for the hydrogenation of the carbonyl group (C=O) of MEK. In addition, Pt favors the formation of heavy aromatics such as 5-ethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalene, while Pd is active for the production of xylene.

Le but du projet est d’hydrogéner l’acide succinique en phase aqueuse à 160°C, sous 150 bar d’hydrogène pour obtenir sélectivement le 1,4-butanediol (BDO) en utilisant des catalyseurs x%Re-2%Pd/TiO2. Les catalyseurs monométalliques au palladium permettent d’obtenir sélectivement le produit intermédiaire : la γ-butyrolactone et très peu de BDO est obtenu. Leur activité catalytique est fonction de la dispersion de la phase métallique. L’addition de rhénium aux catalyseurs monométalliques au palladium permet de poursuivre la réaction jusqu’à l’obtention du BDO. Nous avons d’abord essayé deux méthodes d’addition ex situ de rhénium : réduction catalytique (RC) et imprégnation successive (IS). La meilleure sélectivité en BDO obtenue jusqu’à maintenant est de 90% en présence du solide 3,4%Re-2%Pd/TiO2 préparé par IS. Quelle que soit la méthode de dépôt (RC ou IS), le rhénium dans ces solides bimétalliques est réoxydé et lixivié dans la phase aqueuse sous l’atmosphère non réductrice. Malgré la lixiviation et le redépôt du rhénium sous hydrogène, le comportement des catalyseurs bimétalliques Re-Pd/TiO2 préparés ces deux méthodes reste différent. Le dépôt in situ de Re conduit à des catalyseurs bimétalliques prometteurs : SBDO = 73% avec 2% de rhénium déposé / The aim of our research project is the hydrogenation of the succinic acid in aqueous phase at 160°C, under 150 bar hydrogen to obtain selectively 1,4-butanediol (BDO) by using x%Re- 2%Pd/TiO2 catalyst. Palladium monometallic catalysts allow us to obtain selectively the intermediate product γ-butyrolactone and very little BDO. Their catalytic activity depends on the dispersion of the metallic phase. The reaction can be extended until obtaining BDO by adding the rhenium to palladium based monometallic catalysts. Firstly, we have tried two ex situ methods to add the rhenium: catalytic reduction (CR) and successive impregnation (SI). The best selectivity to BDO is 90% with the presence of 3,4%Re-2%Pd/TiO2 prepared by IS method. Moreover, for both deposition methods, the rhenium in the bimetallic catalysts is reoxidized with air and then leached into the aqueous phase. Despite leaching and redeposition of rhenium under hydrogen pressure, the behavior of bimetallic catalysts prepared by the two methods (CR and SI) is different. In situ deposition of the rhenium leads to promising bimetallic catalysts: SBDO = 73% with 2% of rhenium

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Chemical Engineering / Keith L. Hohn / Extensive research has gone into developing and modeling the three-way catalyst (TWC) to reduce the emissions of hydrocarbons, NOx and CO from gasoline-fueled engines level. However, much less has been done to model the use of the three-way catalyst to treat exhaust from natural gas-fueled engines. Our research address this gap in the literature by developing a detailed surface reaction mechanism for platinum based on elementary-step reactions. A reaction mechanism consisting of 24 species and 115 elementary reactions was constructed from literature values. All reaction parameters were used as found in the literature sources except for steps modified to improve the model fit to the experimental data. The TWC was simulated as a one-dimension, isothermal plug flow reactor (PFR) for the steady state condition and a continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) for the dithering condition. This work describes a method to quantitatively simulate the natural gas engine TWC converter performance, providing a deep understanding of the surface chemistry in the converter. Due to the depletion of petroleum oil and recent volatility in price, synthesizing value-added chemicals from biomass-derived materials has attracted extensive attention. 1, 3-butadiene (BD), an important intermediate to produce rubber, is conventionally produced from petroleum. Recently, one potential route is to produce BD by dehydration of 2, 3-butanediol (BDO), which is produced at high yield from biomass. This reaction was studied over two commercial forms of alumina. Our results indicate acid/base properties greatly impact the BD selectivity. Trimethylamine can also modify the acid/base properties on alumina surface and affect the BD selectivity. Scandium oxide, acidic oxide or zirconia dual bed systems are also studied and our results show that acidic oxide used as the second bed catalyst can promote the formation of BD, while 2,5-dimethylphenol is found when the zirconia is used as the second bed catalyst which is due to the strong basic sites.

Dentre as principais preocupações relacionadas à cadeia de produção do biodiesel está o excedente de glicerina bruta. Esta corresponde a cerca de 10% da massa total resultante do processo de produção do biodiesel e vem sendo acumulada e armazenada nas usinas, formando grandes estoques de resíduos e deixando diversas empresas diante de um passivo ambiental agravante. Uma forma de diminuir esse problema é utilizá-la para formulação de meios de fermentação para obtenção de produtos de interesse econômico. Exemplos são as produções de dióis como; 1,3-Propanodiol (1,3-PD) e 2,3-Butanodiol (2,3-BD). Estes são monômeros de grande aplicação no mercado, sendo o 1,3-PD usado para fabricação de poliuretanos, compostos cíclicos e novos tipos de poliésteres. O 2,3-BD é utilizado como anticongelante, biocombustível e como um importante aromatizante. Assim, no presente trabalho propõe-se valorizar a glicerina residual da fabricação de biodiesel, visando sua bioconversão em 2,3-BD e 1,3-PD, pela bactéria Klebsiella pneumoniae NRRL B199. Para tanto, a proposta deste trabalho compreendeu quatro etapas conjuntas: 1. Estabelecer um tratamento adequado para a glicerina residual de forma a permitir o crescimento bacteriano e formação dos dióis. 2. Adequar à composição do meio de fermentação, quanto às concentrações de glicerol, com suplementação de glicose, extrato de levedura e elementos traço Fe2+, Zn2+ e Mn2+ no processo fermentativo. 3. Definir a melhor condição de transferência de oxigênio em sistema descontínuo, associada à concentração de substrato, para a melhor formação de produtos. 4. Avaliar o procedimento de separação dos produtos do meio pela técnica de salting-out. Os estudos da etapa 1 e 2 foram realizados em frascos Erlenmeyer de 250 mL com 50 mL de meio. Na etapa 3, o estudo de aeração e agitação foi realizado em fermentador Bioflo III (New Brunswick Sci. Co.) de 1,25 L. Com os resultados obtidos, concluiu-se que o tratamento realizado foi adequado para o emprego da glicerina residual como fonte de carbono para o crescimento da bactéria Klebsiella pneumoniae. Além disso, os trabalhos realizados em frascos revelaram uma produção máxima, em agitação de 200 rpm, de 0,545 g/L.h de 2,3-BD e produção de 0,180 g/L.h de 1,3-PD em agitação de 160 rpm. Sendo que a glicose e o extrato de levedura tiveram efeitos positivos e significativos na produtividade de 2,3-BD e 1,3-PD. Nos ensaios onde foram utilizados maiores transferência de oxigênio observou-se decréscimos na produção de 1,3-PD e uma melhora significativa na produção de 2,3-BD. No estudo de recuperação dos dióis, foi possível recuperar 82% dos dióis utilizando carbonato de potássio 70% na temperatura de 20 ºC e no tempo de reação de 6 horas. / Among the main concerns related to the production of biodiesel is the surplus of crude glycerine. This corresponds to approximately 10% of the total mass of the biodiesel production process and has been accumulated and stored in the biodiesel plants, creating enormous amounts of waste and serious environmental problems. A way to lessen this problem is to use it for the formulation of fermentation medium to obtain products of economic interest. Examples are the production of diols such as, 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) and 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD). These monomers are large market application, and the 1,3-PD used for the manufacture of polyurethanes, cyclic compounds and new types of polyesters. The 2,3-BD is used as antifreeze, biofuel and as an important flavoring. Thus, in present work aims to enrich the residual glycerine from biodiesel production to its bioconversion in 2,3-BD and 1,3-PD by bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae NRRL B199. Therefore, the purpose of this consisted of four joint steps: 1st. Establish an appropriate treatment for residual glycerine to allow bacterial growth and diols formation. 2nd. To adapt the composition of fermentation medium, as concentrations of residual glycerine, with glucose supplementation, yeast extract and trace elements of Fe2+, Zn2+ e Mn2+ in the fermentation process. 3rd. Define the best condition of oxygen transfer in a batch system, associated with substrate concentration for the best product formation. 4th. To evaluate the separation procedure of products through the of salting-out technique. Studies of step 1 and 2 were conducted in 250 mL Erlenmeyer flasks with 50 mL medium. In step 3, the study aeration and agitation was performed in Bioflo III fermentor (New Brunswick Sci Co.) was 1,25 L. With the results, it was concluded that the treatment was adequate for use of residual glycerine as carbon source for growth of the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae. Furthermore, the work carried out on bottles showed a maximum production 2,3-BD of 0.545 g/L.h in agitation of 200 rpm and production 1,3-PD of 0.180 g/Lh in agitation of 160 rpm. With glucose and yeast extract had positive and significant effects on productivity of 2,3-BD and 1,3-PD. For tests were used higher oxygen transfer observed decrease in the production of 1,3-PD and a significant improvement in the production of 2,3-BD. In the study of recovery of diols, it was possible to recover 82% of diols using 70% potassium carbonate at temperature of 20 °C and in reaction time of 6 hours.

Dentre as principais preocupações relacionadas à cadeia de produção do biodiesel está o excedente de glicerina bruta. Esta corresponde a cerca de 10% da massa total resultante do processo de produção do biodiesel e vem sendo acumulada e armazenada nas usinas, formando grandes estoques de resíduos e deixando diversas empresas diante de um passivo ambiental agravante. Uma forma de diminuir esse problema é utilizá-la para formulação de meios de fermentação para obtenção de produtos de interesse econômico. Exemplos são as produções de dióis como; 1,3-Propanodiol (1,3-PD) e 2,3-Butanodiol (2,3-BD). Estes são monômeros de grande aplicação no mercado, sendo o 1,3-PD usado para fabricação de poliuretanos, compostos cíclicos e novos tipos de poliésteres. O 2,3-BD é utilizado como anticongelante, biocombustível e como um importante aromatizante. Assim, no presente trabalho propõe-se valorizar a glicerina residual da fabricação de biodiesel, visando sua bioconversão em 2,3-BD e 1,3-PD, pela bactéria Klebsiella pneumoniae NRRL B199. Para tanto, a proposta deste trabalho compreendeu quatro etapas conjuntas: 1. Estabelecer um tratamento adequado para a glicerina residual de forma a permitir o crescimento bacteriano e formação dos dióis. 2. Adequar à composição do meio de fermentação, quanto às concentrações de glicerol, com suplementação de glicose, extrato de levedura e elementos traço Fe2+, Zn2+ e Mn2+ no processo fermentativo. 3. Definir a melhor condição de transferência de oxigênio em sistema descontínuo, associada à concentração de substrato, para a melhor formação de produtos. 4. Avaliar o procedimento de separação dos produtos do meio pela técnica de salting-out. Os estudos da etapa 1 e 2 foram realizados em frascos Erlenmeyer de 250 mL com 50 mL de meio. Na etapa 3, o estudo de aeração e agitação foi realizado em fermentador Bioflo III (New Brunswick Sci. Co.) de 1,25 L. Com os resultados obtidos, concluiu-se que o tratamento realizado foi adequado para o emprego da glicerina residual como fonte de carbono para o crescimento da bactéria Klebsiella pneumoniae. Além disso, os trabalhos realizados em frascos revelaram uma produção máxima, em agitação de 200 rpm, de 0,545 g/L.h de 2,3-BD e produção de 0,180 g/L.h de 1,3-PD em agitação de 160 rpm. Sendo que a glicose e o extrato de levedura tiveram efeitos positivos e significativos na produtividade de 2,3-BD e 1,3-PD. Nos ensaios onde foram utilizados maiores transferência de oxigênio observou-se decréscimos na produção de 1,3-PD e uma melhora significativa na produção de 2,3-BD. No estudo de recuperação dos dióis, foi possível recuperar 82% dos dióis utilizando carbonato de potássio 70% na temperatura de 20 ºC e no tempo de reação de 6 horas. / Among the main concerns related to the production of biodiesel is the surplus of crude glycerine. This corresponds to approximately 10% of the total mass of the biodiesel production process and has been accumulated and stored in the biodiesel plants, creating enormous amounts of waste and serious environmental problems. A way to lessen this problem is to use it for the formulation of fermentation medium to obtain products of economic interest. Examples are the production of diols such as, 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) and 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD). These monomers are large market application, and the 1,3-PD used for the manufacture of polyurethanes, cyclic compounds and new types of polyesters. The 2,3-BD is used as antifreeze, biofuel and as an important flavoring. Thus, in present work aims to enrich the residual glycerine from biodiesel production to its bioconversion in 2,3-BD and 1,3-PD by bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae NRRL B199. Therefore, the purpose of this consisted of four joint steps: 1st. Establish an appropriate treatment for residual glycerine to allow bacterial growth and diols formation. 2nd. To adapt the composition of fermentation medium, as concentrations of residual glycerine, with glucose supplementation, yeast extract and trace elements of Fe2+, Zn2+ e Mn2+ in the fermentation process. 3rd. Define the best condition of oxygen transfer in a batch system, associated with substrate concentration for the best product formation. 4th. To evaluate the separation procedure of products through the of salting-out technique. Studies of step 1 and 2 were conducted in 250 mL Erlenmeyer flasks with 50 mL medium. In step 3, the study aeration and agitation was performed in Bioflo III fermentor (New Brunswick Sci Co.) was 1,25 L. With the results, it was concluded that the treatment was adequate for use of residual glycerine as carbon source for growth of the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae. Furthermore, the work carried out on bottles showed a maximum production 2,3-BD of 0.545 g/L.h in agitation of 200 rpm and production 1,3-PD of 0.180 g/Lh in agitation of 160 rpm. With glucose and yeast extract had positive and significant effects on productivity of 2,3-BD and 1,3-PD. For tests were used higher oxygen transfer observed decrease in the production of 1,3-PD and a significant improvement in the production of 2,3-BD. In the study of recovery of diols, it was possible to recover 82% of diols using 70% potassium carbonate at temperature of 20 °C and in reaction time of 6 hours.

Doctor of Philosophy / Grain Science and Industry / Praveen V. Vadlani / Lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks are a sustainable resource required for rapid growth of bio-based industries. An integrated approach, including plant breeding, harvesting, handling, and conversion to fuels, chemicals and power, is required for the commercial viability of the lignocellulosic-based biorefineries. Optimization of conversion processes, including biomass pretreatment and hydrolysis, is a challenging task because of the distinct variations in composition and structure of biopolymers among biomass types. Efficient fermentation of biomass hydrolyzates comprising of different types of sugars is challenging. The purpose of this doctoral research was to evaluate and optimize the various processing steps in the entire the biomass value chain for efficient production of advanced biofuels and chemicals from diverse biomass feedstocks. Our results showed that densification of bulky biomass by pelleting to better streamline the handling and logistic issues improved pretreatment and hydrolysis efficiencies. Alkali pretreatment was significantly more effective than acid pretreatment at same processing conditions for grass and hardwood. The ethanol-isopropanol mixture, and glycerol with 0.4% (w/v) sodium hydroxide were the promising organic solvent systems for the pretreatment of corn stover (grass), and poplar (hardwood), respectively. None of the pretreatment methods used in this study worked well for Douglas fir (softwood), which indicates a need to further optimize appropriate processing conditions, better solvent and catalyst for effective pretreatment of this biomass. The brown midrib (bmr) mutations improved the biomass quality as a feedstock for biochemicals production in some sorghum cultivars and bmr types, while adverse effects were observed in others. These results indicated that each potential sorghum cultivar should be separately evaluated for each type of bmr mutation to develop the best sorghum line as an energy crop. Development of an appropriate biomass processing technology to generate separate cellulose and hemicellulose hydrolyzates is required for efficient 2,3-butanediol (BD) fermentation using a non-pathogenic bacterial strain, Bacillus licheniformis DSM 8785. This culture is significantly more efficient for BD fermentation in single sugar media than Klebsiella oxytoca ATCC 8724. Though K. oxytoca is a better culture reported so far for BD fermentation from diverse sugars media, but it is a biosafety level 2 organism, which limits its commercial potential.

This diploma thesis studied the ability of Cupriavidus malaysiensis, Delftia acidovorans and Azohydromonas lata to produce poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate), [P(3HB-co-4HB)], by using -butyrolactone and 1,4-butanediol as carbon substrates. The objective of this work was the production and characterisation of isolated polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). The theoretical part deals with the basic description and classification of polyhydroxyalkanoates. Next, the biosyntheses of the most investigated PHAs were described. The practical section of the work discusses and presents the output of the cultivation of five bacterial strains selected for the production of [P(3HB-co-4HB)], namely, Cupriavidus malaysiensis (DSM 19379), Delftia acidovorans (DSM 39), Delftia acidovorans (CCM 2410), Delftia acidovorans (CCM 283) and Azohydromonas lata (CCM 4448). The effect of the modified cultivation conditions for each of the used bacteria on the PHA production yields was discussed. The produced biomass after the cultivation was characterised spectrophotometrically, gravimetrically and by gas chromatography. Polymers were isolated from the biomass by the extraction in chloroform. The isolated polymers were characterised from the viewpoint of chemical composition, molecular weight and thermal properties by using Attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy, Size exclusion chromatography, Differential scanning calorimetry and Thermogravimetric analysis.

O Capítulo 1 descreve a produção de celulases por 4 linhagens fúngicas de ambiente marinho (Aspergillus sydowii CBMAI 934, A. sydowii CBMAI 935, Penicillium citrinum CBMAI 1186 e Mucor racemosus CBMAI 847) e uma linhagem de ambiente terrestre (Aspergillus sp. CBMAI 1198) cultivados em meio sólido composto por farelo de trigo (5 g) e solução de peptona (0,75 g.L-1) enriquecida com sais inorgânicos. Foram realizadas otimizações da temperatura, pH inicial e umidade do meio de cultura das linhagens obtendo-se maiores atividades celulolíticas na faixa de temperatura entre 25-35 °C, com exceção do fungo A. sydowii CBMAI 935 que foi de 40 °C, e valores diferentes de pH ótimo, desde condições acídicas até alcalinas, bem como valores diferentes de teor de umidade ótima. Quando avaliou-se a influência do pH, da temperatura e do volume de extrato enzimático durante a hidrólise do papel de filtro cada conjunto de celulases produzidas apresentou pontos ótimos diferentes entre elas, e em alguns casos, dois valores ótimos de pH e temperatura. As celulases produzidas nas condições ótimas determinadas foram aplicadas na hidrólise da celulose do bagaço da cana-de-açúcar pré-tratado usando-se 10 U FPU/g de bagaço de cana-de-açúcar. As celulases dos fungos Aspergillus sp. CBMAI 1198 e A. sydowii CBMAI 934 apresentaram a maior capacidade para hidrolisar o bagaço da cana-de-açúcar pré-tratado, 75% e 78% de degradação do material lignocelulósico, respectivamente. No Capítulo 2 foi avaliada a capacidade de 6 bactérias isoladas de turfeira (Bacillus subtilis LQOB-SE1, B. coagulans LQOB-SE2, B. pumilus LQOB-SE3, Brevibacillus brevis LQOB-SE4, Lysinibacillus sp. LQOB-SE5 e Serratia marcescens LQOB-SE6) em produzir 2,3-butanodiol a partir da fermentação de glicerol e a bactéria que apresentou tal capacidade (S. marcescens LQOB-SE6) foi usada para produzir 2,3-butanodiol também a partir da fermentação de glicose visando o reaproveitamento dos resíduos gerados na produção de biodiesel e de etanol. As melhores condições para o uso do glicerol foram: pH inicial 7, Caldo nutriente 8 g.L-1, concentração inicial de glicerol 50 g.L-1 e tempo de cultivo de 7 dias. Foram obtidos bons rendimento (0,30 g.g-1), produtividade (0,13 g.L-1.h-1) e concentração máxima de 2,3-butanodiol (22,4 g.L-1). As melhores condições para a fermentação da glicose foram: pH inicial 7, Caldo nutriente 8 g.L-1, concentração inicial de glicose 75 g.L-1 e tempo de cultivo de 5 dias. Obteve-se um rendimento de 0,42 g.g-1 em 5 dias de fermentação, produtividade de 0,45 g.L-1.h-1 após 2 dias e concentração máxima de 2,3-butanodiol de 31,2 g.L-1. A produção de 2,3-butanodiol a partir do hidrolisado gerado na hidrólise do bagaço de cana-de-açúcar pelas celulases do fungo de ambiente marinho A. sydowii CBMAI 934 não foi observada devido à baixa concentração de açúcares no hidrolisado. Os resultados obtidos nesta tese mostram o potencial biotecnológico da microbiota fúngica e bacteriana isoladas de diferentes biomas brasileiros. / In Chapter 1 it is reported the cellulase production by 4 marine-derived fungi strains (Aspergillus sydowii CBMAI 934, A. sydowii CBMAI 935, Penicillium citrinum CBMAI 1186 and Mucor racemosus CBMAI 847) and 1 terrestrial fungi strain (Aspergillus sp. CBMAI 1198). They were grown in solid state fermentation using wheat straw as substrate (5 g) and with addition of peptone solution (0,75 g.L-1) enriched with inorganic salts. It was performed the enhancement of the growth conditions by changing the temperature, initial pH and moisture. The optimum temperature for all strains varied between 25-35 °C but A. sydowii CBMAI 935 with 40 °C. The optimum pH was different for each strain, varying from acidic to alkaline conditions. The optimum moisture content also varied accordingly the studied strain. In order enhance the cellulose hydrolysis performed by the produced cellulases, it was varied the pH, temperature and amount of the crude cellulase extract during the filter paper hydrolysis reaction. The obtained optimum values were different among strains and, in some cases, there were two optimum pH and temperature for the hydrolysis of the filter paper. Then, the obtained cellulases, using the best conditions for hydrolysis, were used in the sugarcane bagasse hydrolysis (10 FPU/g of sugarcane bagasse). The cellulases from the strains Aspergillus sp. CBMAI 1198 and A. sydowii CBMAI 934 were capable of degrading 75% and 78% of the sugarcane bagasse, respectively, generating reducing sugars. In Chapter 2, the capability of 6 strains (Bacillus subtilis LQOB-SE1, B. coagulans LQOB-SE2, B. pumillus LQOB-SE3, Brevibacillus brevis LQOB-SE4, Lysinibacillus sp. LQOB-SE5 and Serratia marcescens LQOB-SE6), isolated from peat soil, of producing 2,3-butanediol from glycerol fermentation. The only strain that produced 2,3-butanediol was S. marcescens LQOB-SE6, which was also applied in 2,3-butanediol production from glucose fermentation. Therefore, wastes from biodiesel and bioethanol production can be reused in industrial scale. The best conditions for glycerol fermentation: initial pH 7, Nutrient Broth (8 g.L-1), initial glycerol concentration (50 g.L-1) and fermentation time of 7 days. It were obtained good yield (0.30 g.g-1), productivity (0.13 g.L-1.h-1) and 2,3-butanodiol concentration (22.4 g.L-1). The best conditions for glucose fermentation: initial pH 7, Nutrient Broth (8 g.L-1), initial glucose concentration (75 g.L-1) and fermentation time of 5 days. It were also obtained good yield (0.42 g.g-1) and 2,3-butanodiol concentration (31.2 g.L-1) after 5 days and productivity (0.45 g.L-1.h-1) after 2 days. The 2,3-butanediol production from the hydrolysate of sugarcane bagasse, obtained by using cellulases from A. sydowii CBMAI 934, was not observed due the low sugar concentration in the hydrolysate.