Optimizing the response surface for producing ethanol from avicel by Brevibacillus strain AHPC8120

Brevibacillus borstelensis strain AHPC8120 was isolated from compost of Napiergrass and sheep dung. The native train AHPC8120 was shown as a cellulolytic microorganism which can utilize avicel, being directly produce ethanol. Moreover, the strain fermented six carbon (glucose) and five carbon (xylose) sugars and generated biochemical products such as acetic acid and ethanol. Ethanol yields utilizing glucose and xylose were 0.08 and 0.07 g/g, respectively. Response surface methodology was used as a tool to optimize the effects of ratio of nitrogen to carbon source and pH on growth of AHPC8120 utilizing avicel. The optimal growth conditions of the strain are 1.82 for nitrogen to carbon source ratio and pH 5.73, thereby obtaining a maximal ethanol yield of 0.24 g/g from avicel.