Optimization of butanol production from tropical maize stalk juice by fermentation with Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052

► Optimization for butanol yield was conducted using response surface methodology. ► Optimum conditions were predicted, and maximum butanol yield was estimated. ► Individual and interactive effects of parameters on butanol yield were evaluated. ► Agitation greatly influenced the butanol/acetone ratio in total ABE mix. ► Tropical maize is a promising biofuel crop.