Industrial Consultancy & Sponsored Research (IC&SR) , IIT Madras
Technology Category/ Market
Category – Biotechnology
Applications – Biofuel Production, Biorefinery, Waste Biomass Valorization
Industry – Renewable Energy and Biofuels
Market- Global biofuel market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9.7% to reach US$295 Bn in 2028.
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Problem Statement
- Increasing urbanization has led to a rising demand for nonrenewable fossil fuels, depleting energy reserves and increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
- The production of bioethanol from cellulosic materials requires efficient enzyme mixtures, but existing methods often lack the desired effectiveness.
- Lignin in lignocellulosic biomass hinders the conversion of biomass to fermentable sugars.
- There is a need for a novel strain of Trichoderma, such as M501, to produce cellulases and xylanases efficiently for lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysis.
Technology
- The invention aims to produce an enzyme mixture consisting of cellulases and xylanases using a novel strain of Trichoderma gamsii, referred to as M501, for the efficient hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass.
- The strain T. gamsii M501 is deposited and accessible at the Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH) in Chandigarh, India, with Accession no. MTCC 25104 and GenBank accession no. KT037690.1.
- The production process of the enzyme mixture involves growing T. gamsii M501 in a modified Vogel’s medium, supplemented with microcrystalline cellulose, to maximize cellulase and xylanase production within 3
- The enzyme mixture produced by T. gamsii M501 under specific growth conditions exhibits significant levels of FPase (2.0 U/ml), CMCase (45.3 U/ml), and xylanases (600 U/ml) after 72 hours.
- The invention further presents a process for hydrolyzing lignocellulosic biomass using enzymes produced by T. gamsii M501, involving pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse, enzymatic hydrolysis, and the determination of glucose and xylose concentrations in the hydrolysate.
Key Features/ Value Proposition
- Enhanced Enzyme Activities: Trichoderma gamsii M501 delivers higher activities of cellulases and xylanases, improving the efficiency of lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysis.
- Simplified Production Process: The use of a modified Vogel’s medium and a 3-day incubation period simplifies the enzyme production process.
- Maximum Enzyme Levels: Achieves significant levels of FPase, CMCase, and xylanases, ensuring effective breakdown of biomass.
- Sustainable Biomass Hydrolysis: The enzyme mixture is ideal for hydrolyzing alkali-pretreated lignocellulosic biomass, contributing to sustainable biofuel and chemical production.
- Market Growth Potential: Addresses the increasing demand for efficient enzymatic processes in the biofuel and renewable energy industries.
Questions about this Technology?
Contact for Licensing
sm-marketing@imail.iitm.ac.in
ipoffice2@iitm.ac.in
Research Lab
Prof. Chandraraj K,
Department of Biotechnology
Intellectual Property
- IITM IDF Ref. 1561
- IN 201741023751
- NBA Appl. Ref. No. INBA3202305180
Technology Readiness Level
TRL – 3
Technology concept formulated.