Response surface methodology for the optimization of cellulosic ethanol production from Phragmites australis through pre-saccharification and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation

•Phragmites australis was employed for the production of ethanol on pilot scale units.•Steam explosion was employed for biomass pretreatment.•The effect of pretreatment was observed with SEM analises.•PSSF was the process used for the biological conversion.•DOE and RSM allowed the optimization of the process.

Pre-saccharification and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of residual lignocellulosic feedstock Phragmites Australis was assessed and optimized via the multivariate approach of Design of Experiments and Response Surface Methodology. The biomass was pretreated by steam explosion and the logarithm of the severity factor, together with the solid loading and the enzyme dosage were considered as factors in the experimental design. The whole process was carried out on pilot scale units in order to simulate an industrial scenario. A Central Composite Design was employed for the optimization of the three factors. The response was optimized in terms of ethanol production and overall yield with predicted values of 38.95 g of ethanol/Kg of total matter loaded into the reactor and 18.07% w/w of ethanol/raw material respectively.The predicted values were confirmed by experimental data.