UA107575C2 - Bioprocessing - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of fermentation, which includes the functionalization of inorganic fibers through the interaction of fibers with ionizing radiation and rapid cooling of irradiated fibers; and contact of low molecular weight sugar with functionalized inorganic fibers and fermenting microorganism immobilized on fibers, in the medium for a period of time and under conditions suitable for fermentation, to convert low molecular weight sugar into a product of fermentation, and thus fermentation occurs as a result of functional interaction and functional groups of the microorganism.

Description

This application establishes the priority of US Provisional Patent Application Mo 61/180019, filed May 20, 2009, and US Provisional Patent Application ME 61/25300, filed October 16, 2009. The full description of each of these provisional applications is incorporated by reference herein. .

Technical level

Carbohydrates can be converted into other materials by bioprocessing methods that use agents, including microorganisms or enzymes. For example, in the process of fermentation, carbohydrates are converted into alcohols or acids under the action of microorganisms, for example, sugar is converted into alcohol when using yeast in anaerobic conditions. When the fermentation stops before the complete conversion of the carbohydrate to the final product, such as sugar to alcohol, the fermentation is said to be "set."

Other methods of bioprocessing include the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulosic and lignocellulosic materials into low molecular weight sugars.

The essence of the invention

In some cases, the presence of a substrate in bioprocessing promotes the conversion of low molecular weight sugar into an intermediate or final product or cellulosic or lignocellulosic material into low molecular weight sugar. The authors of the present invention have discovered that the inclusion of a substrate, e.g., an inorganic or organic material, in admixture with a low molecular weight sugar in a medium, e.g., a solvent or solvent system, and microorganisms can increase the yield and rate of production of an intermediate or final product obtained by conversion of sugar, e.g. , alcohol, including ethanol or butanol (for example, n-butanol). The inclusion of a substrate can also prevent incomplete, slow or "stuck" product conversion, for example by fermentation.

Similarly, the inclusion of a substrate can accelerate the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulosic or lignocellulosic materials.

In general, the present invention relates to methods that include the use of a microorganism and/or an enzyme that is immobilized on a substrate, such as fibers or particles, to convert a carbohydrate into a product.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method that includes using a microorganism that is immobilized on a substrate, such as inorganic or plastic particles or fibers, to convert a low molecular weight sugar, such as sucrose, glucose, xylose, or a mixture of any of these, to an intermediate or the final product. In some cases, the substrate is functionalized with functional groups that the substrate does not contain in its natural state.

The term "immobilized" means that the microorganism and/or enzyme is linked to the substrate directly or indirectly (e.g., through a chemical linker), by covalent, hydrogen, ionic, or equivalent bonds, and/or by mechanical interaction, for example, between the microorganism and pores of fibers or particles. The connection can be created, for example, by electrical polarization of the substrate material. This interaction can be permanent, semi-permanent or short-term.

The mechanical interaction may involve the placement or attachment of the microorganism or enzyme in the pores or other locations of the fiber or particle.

Some embodiments include one or more of the following distinctive features.

The conversion may include the ability of the microorganism to convert at least a portion of the low molecular weight sugar into an alcohol, such as ethanol or butanol, or into a hydrocarbon or hydrogen.

Conversion may involve fermentation. The microorganism may include yeast, e.g.

Zasspagotusez segemiviae (baker's yeast) and/or Risnia viriiii5, or bacteria such as 7utotopap tobi. The method can additionally include irradiation of the substrate, for example, inorganic fibers, for example, with ionizing radiation, including a beam of particles. The fibers or particles may have a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (VET) surface area greater than 0.25 m3/g and/or a porosity of at least 70 95. In some cases, the VET surface area may be more than 10, 100, 250, 500 or even 1000 mg/m. This method may additionally include reuse of the substrate in the process of further conversion.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a mixture that includes a substrate, for example, a granular material having polar functional groups, a microorganism or an enzyme having complementary functional groups, and a liquid medium. In some cases, the substrate includes fibers, such as inorganic fibers or plastic fibers.

In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a composition comprising a substrate, for example, fibers or particles having functional groups, and a microorganism or enzyme having complementary functional groups, and this microorganism or enzyme is immobilized on the substrate. When fibers are used, these fibers can be, for example, inorganic fibers or plastic fibers.

The present invention also relates to a method that includes the conversion of a low molecular sugar or a material that includes a low molecular sugar in a mixture with a substrate, a microorganism and a solvent or a solvent system, for example, water or a mixture of water and an organic solvent, into an intermediate or final product. Examples of solvents or solvent systems include water, hexane, hexadecane, glycerin, chloroform, toluene, ethyl acetate, petroleum ether, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), ionic liquids, and mixtures thereof. The solvent or solvent system can be in the form of one phase, two or more phases. The substrate may exist, for example, in fibrous form. For example, the substrate may include inorganic fibers or synthetic fibers, such as plastic fibers.

In some cases, the presence of a substrate (for example, fibers processed by any method described herein, or untreated) in the production process of an intermediate or final product, for example, ethanol, can increase the rate of production of this product. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the presence of a solid, such as one with a high specific surface area and/or high porosity, can increase reaction rates by increasing the effective concentration of solutes and creating a substrate on which reactions can occur.

For example, irradiated or non-irradiated fibrous material, such as inorganic materials, including carbon fibers or glass fibers, or synthetic polymeric materials, including plastic fibers, can be introduced into a fermentation process, for example, into a fermentation process of corn to produce ethanol or into a process fermentation of sugar cane extract to increase the production rate by at least 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 75 or 100 95 or more, for example at least 150 95, or even up to 1000 95. The fibrous material may have a high specific surface area, high porosity and/or low bulk density. In some embodiments, the fibrous material is present in the mixture in an amount ranging from about 0.5 wt. 95 to about 50 wt. 95, for example, from about 1 wt.95 to about 25 wt. 95 or from about 2 wt. 95 to about 12.5 wt. 95. In other embodiments, the fibrous material is present in amounts greater than about 0.5 wt. 95, for example, more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or even more than about 10 wt. 95. For example, in some embodiments, oxidized, irradiated, or chemically functionalized fibrous material can be introduced into a low molecular weight sugar fermentation process, for example, to increase the rate and yield of fermentation.

Since the substrate itself is not consumed in the conversion process, this substrate can be reused in repeated batch processes or can be used continuously in the production of large volumes of product.

Some embodiments include one or more of the following distinctive features.

The conversion may provide the microorganism with the ability to convert at least a portion of the low molecular weight sugar into an alcohol, such as ethanol or butanol. For example, the conversion may involve fermentation. The microorganism can include yeast, for example, selected from the group consisting of ZassPpagotusev segemiviae and Risnia viirije, or bacteria, including 7utotopap torbiije.

A microorganism can be a natural microorganism or a genetically modified microorganism. For example, the microorganism can be a bacterium, for example, a cellulitis bacterium, a fungus, for example, a yeast, a plant, or a protist, for example, an alga, a protozoa, or a fungus-like protist, for example, a slime (myxomycete). When the organisms are compatible, mixtures can be used. The conversion can provide a percent efficiency of at least 140 95, in some cases at least 170 95. To calculate the percent efficiency of fermentation with the formation of ethanol, the following equation is used:

Percent efficiency - (ethanol content in the test sample/ethanol content in the control sample) 100

The substrate may include a fibrous material. This method can additionally include irradiation of the fibrous material before mixing, for example, with the help of ionizing radiation, the total dose of which is, for example, at least 5 Mrad. Irradiation can be carried out using a beam of particles, for example, an electron beam. In some variants, the irradiation is carried out on the substrate, and the substrate is in an atmosphere of air, nitrogen, oxygen, helium or argon. Irradiation can be performed using ionizing radiation, including gamma rays, electron beams, or ultraviolet C radiation having a wavelength from about 100 nm to about 280 nm. Irradiation can be carried out using multiple applications of radiation. In some cases, the radiation may be administered at a total dose of from about 10 Mrad to about 150 Mrad, for example at a dose rate of from about 0.5 to about 10

Mrad/day or from 1 Mrad/s to about 10 Mrad/s. In some embodiments, the implementation of irradiation includes the use of two or more sources of radiation, including gamma radiation and an electron beam.

In another aspect, the substrate is included in the saccharification process, in which the presence of the substrate can increase the reaction rate and yield of low molecular weight sugar from the cellulosic feedstock. In this aspect, the present invention relates to a method comprising the use of a saccharifying agent that is immobilized on particles to saccharify cellulosic or lignocellulosic material. A sweetening agent can be, for example, an enzyme.

Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as are commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention relates. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of this invention, appropriate methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents and other sources mentioned in this document are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event of a conflict, this description, including definitions, shall prevail. In addition, the materials, methods and examples provided are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting.

Other distinctive features and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and from the claims.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating the processing of fibers and the use of processed fibers in the fermentation process.

Fig. TA schematically represents a functionalized fiber that interacts with a microorganism.

Detailed description

The substrate materials described herein, such as functionalized granular materials, may facilitate the conversion of a low molecular weight sugar into an intermediate or final product, such as in a fermentation process. Functionalized substrate materials containing functional groups of the desired type and number, including carboxyl groups, enol groups, aldehyde groups, ketone groups, nitrile groups, nitro groups, or nitroso groups, can be prepared using methods described herein or other known methods .

Substrate materials

The materials discussed below can be functionalized with functional groups that are complementary to functional groups on the agent to be used in the conversion of the low molecular weight sugar, including, for example, functional groups present on microorganisms, including yeast.

Acceptable substrate materials include organic and inorganic granular materials. Substrate materials include, for example, inorganic fillers, including calcium carbonate, (eg, precipitated calcium carbonate or natural calcium carbonate), aragonite clay, orthorhombic clays, calcite clay, rhombohedral clay, kaolin clay, bentonite clay, calcium hydrogen phosphate, calcium orthophosphate , calcium pyrophosphate, insoluble sodium metaphosphate, magnesium orthophosphate, trisubstituted magnesium phosphate, hydroxyapatites, synthetic apatites, aluminum oxide, hydrated aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide xerogel, aluminosilicate metal complexes, sodium aluminosilicate, zirconium silicate, silicon dioxide, graphite, wollastonite, mica, glass, fiberglass, silica, talc, carbon fibers, conductive carbon black, ceramic powders and ceramic fibers, as well as aluminum oxide trihydrate. Other granular materials may also be used, including, for example, shredded construction waste, shredded tire rubber, lignin, maleated polypropylene, nylon fibers or other thermoplastic fibers, and fluorinated polymers, such as fluorinated polyethylene. You can also use a combination of the above materials.

Some materials are available for sale in a functional state. For example, carbon nanotubes containing carboxyl functional groups are supplied for sale by, for example, the company Mapoi! ab (Newton, Massachusetts, USA), and functionalized silica gels are supplied for sale by Ivso, Ips.

These granular materials may have particles whose size is, for example, greater than 1 micron, such as greater than 2 μm, 5 μm, 10 μm, 25 μm, or even greater than 35 μm. Other physical properties of preferred substrates will be described below.

Fillers containing nanometer particles can also be used both individually and in combination with fibrous materials of any size and/or shape. These fillers can be, for example, in the form of particles, plates or fibers. For example, you can use clay, silicon and carbon nanotubes or fullerenes containing nanometer particles, as well as silicon and carbon nanowires. The filler may have a transverse dimension of less than 1000 nm, for example, less than 900 nm, 800 nm, 750 nm, 600 nm, 500 nm, 350 nm, 300 nm, 250 nm, 200 nm, less than 100 nm, or even less than 50 nm.

In some embodiments, the nanoclay is a bentonite clay (montmorillonite). Such clays are supplied by Maposog, Ips. and Siau Rhodyss vinegar, and are described in US Pat. Nos. 6,849,680 and 6,737,464. Clays can be surface treated prior to mixing with, for example, a polymer or fibrous material. For example, the surface of clay can be processed in such a way that this surface acquires an ionic nature and becomes, for example, cationic or anionic.

You can also use aggregated or agglomerated fillers containing nanometer particles, or fillers containing nanometer particles that are combined into supramolecular structures, for example, self-assembled supramolecular structures. Aggregated or supramolecular fillers can have an open or closed structure and take various forms, existing, for example, in the form of a cell, tube or sphere.

Mixtures of any of the substrate materials described herein may be used to produce any of the products described herein.

Systems for the functionalization of substrate materials and the use of substrate materials in fermentation

Fig. 1 represents a system 100 for processing substrate material, such as fibrous or granular material, and further using the processed material to accelerate the fermentation process. The system 100 includes an optional module 102 in which the substrate material is functionalized, for example, by irradiation, oxidation, chemical functionalization, or other methods. If the substrate material is intended for use in its natural state or has been previously functionalized, this stage is skipped.

Processed substrate material, for example, functionalized particles or fibers, enters the fermentation system 106 using a module 108 that supplies the substrate. The substrate material may be provided at any desired concentration, for example, from about 0.05 95 to about 20 95 , from about 0.1 95 to about 10 95 , from about 0.2 95 to about b 95 , or from about 0.3 95 to about 4 95. The concentration will be determined in part by the properties of the substrate material used and the possible amount of substrate material added in a practical manner.

The functionalized substrate material is then present in the fermentation process and accelerates the fermentation process by providing a substrate that can interact with the microorganisms used in the fermentation, for example, yeast cells. This interaction is schematically presented in fig. 1A, which depicts a functionalized polar fiber 10 and a yeast cell 12 having a complementary polar functional group. Due to the polarity of fibers and yeast cells, cell immobilization on one or more fibers is possible. The connection of the yeast cell (or other microorganism) with the fibers can be a hydrogen bond or a covalent or ionic bond. In some cases, the functional groups on the fibers can react with the functional groups on the microorganism, forming a covalent bond. The high specific surface area and porosity of the fibers provides a large surface area for the interaction of the fiber and the microorganism and thereby enhances this interaction. Immobilized cells are more productive, increasing the efficiency and yield of the fermentation process and preventing premature "freezing" of this process.

It should be noted that if mixing is carried out in the fermentation process, this mixing is preferably relatively soft (low shear) in order to minimize disruption of the interaction between microorganisms and fibers. In some embodiments, jet mixing is used, as described in US Provisional Patent Applications Mo. 61/179995, dated May 20, 2009, and Mo. 61/218832, dated June 19, 2009, as well as in US Patent Application No. Me (no. assigned), filed simultaneously with this application under patent attorney registration number 00119-105. A full description of each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the fermentation produces a crude ethanol-based mixture that flows into a storage tank 110. Water or other solvent, as well as other non-ethanolic components, are distilled from the crude-based mixture using a stripping column 112, and the ethanol is then distilled using a distillation unit 114 , for example, a distillation column. Finally, the ethanol can be dried using a molecular sieve 116, denatured as needed, and routed for transport in the desired manner.

In some cases, the systems described herein, or components thereof, may be portable so that the system can be transported (eg, by rail, road, or water) from one location to another. The stages of the method described in this document can be carried out in one or more places, and in some cases one or more stages can be carried out in the process of transportation. Such mobile processing is described in US patent application Mo 12/374549 and in international patent application Me M/O 2008/011598, the full descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Physical properties of the substrate

Both functionalized substrate materials and substrate materials in their natural state may have the physical properties discussed herein.

As used herein, average values of fiber widths (eg, diameters) represent values determined optically from a random selection of approximately 5,000 fibers. Average fiber length values are corrected length-weighted values. The values of the specific surface according to the method of VET represent the multipoint values of the specific surface, and the values of the porosity represent the values determined by the method of mercury porometry.

If the substrate is a fibrous material, the average length to diameter ratio of the fibers of the machined substrate material may be, for example, greater than 8/1, for example, greater than 10/1, greater than 15/1, greater than 20/1, greater than 25/1 or more than 50/1.

The average fiber length may be, for example, about 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm, for example, about 0.75 mm to 1.0 mm, and the average width (e.g., diameter) of the fibers may be, for example, about 5 µm to 50 µm, for example approximately 10 µm to 30 µm.

In some embodiments, the standard deviation of the fiber length may be less than 60 96 of the average fiber length, for example, less than 50 96 of the average length, less than 40 90 of the average length, less than 25 95 of the average length, less than 10 95 of the average length, less than 5 95 of average length, or even less than 1 95 of average length.

In some embodiments, the specific surface area according to the BET method of the substrate material is more than 0.1 me/g, for example, more than 0.25 m/g, 0.5 m/g, 1.0 me/g, 1.5 mg /g, 1.75 mg/g, 5.0 mg/g, 10 me/g, mg/g, 35 mg/g, 50 mg/g, 75 mg/g, 100 mg/g, 200 mg/g , 250 meu/g, 500 mg/g or even more than 1000 mg/m.

The porosity of the substrate material can be, for example, more than 20 95, more than 25 95, more than 35 95, more than 50 95, more than 60 95, more than 70 95, for example, more than 80 95, more than 85 95, more than 90 95, more than 92 95, more than 94 95, more than 95 95, more than 97.5 95, more than 99 95 or even more than 99.5 95.

Quenching and functionalization of the substrate

In some cases, the substrate material is functionalized by irradiation. Other methods well known in the art, such as oxidation or chemical functionalization, can also be used. In some cases, the functionalization of the substrate material is not part of the process, for example, the material is used in its natural state, or it is pre-functionalized by the supplier.

After treatment with ionizing radiation, the substrate material becomes ionized, that is, the material includes radicals that can be detected using an electron paramagnetic (spin) resonance spectrometer. Currently, the level of practical detection of radicals is approximately 10727 spins at room temperature. After ionization, the material can be quenched to reduce the level of radicals in the ionized material, for example, so that the radicals are no longer detectable with an electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer. For example, radicals can be extinguished by applying sufficient pressure to the biomass and/or using a liquid medium, including gaseous or liquid, that reacts (quenching) with the radicals in contact with the ionized biomass. The introduction of gas or liquid to at least contribute to radical quenching can be used to functionalize the ionized biomass by forming functional groups of the desired amount and type, including carboxyl groups, enol groups, aldehyde groups, nitro groups, nitrile groups, amino groups, alkylamino groups, alkyl groups, chloroalkyl groups, or chlorofluoroalkyl groups. As discussed above, functional groups introduced into the material during quenching can act as receptor centers for the attachment of microorganisms or enzymes.

The detection of radicals in irradiated samples by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy methods and the terms of existence of radicals in these samples are discussed in their article by Vapoiotsa et al., Rpuzisz5 Medisipe apa Vioiodu, 46(2001), 461-471 and ip Vapootsa et al., Nadiayop Rgoiesiop Bozitetu ( Dosimetry of radiation protection), 1999, vol. 84, MoMo 1-4, p. 293-296.

In some embodiments, quenching includes applying pressure to the ionized material, including by mechanically deforming the material, e.g., direct mechanical compression of the material in one, two, or three directions, or by applying pressure to the fluid in which the material is immersed, using, e.g. , isostatic compression. In such cases, the deformation of the material itself produces radicals, which are often trapped in domains of the crystal structure in fairly close proximity to each other, as a result of which the radicals can recombine or react with another group. In some cases, pressure is applied along with the addition of heat, including sufficient heat to raise the temperature of the material above the melting or softening temperature of the material or component of the material. Heating can increase the mobility of material molecules, which can help quench radicals. When pressure is used for extinguishing, this pressure can be greater than approximately 1000 psi. in. (7 MPa), including more than approximately 1,250 psi. in. (8.75 MPa), 1450 psi. in. (10.15 MPa), 3625 psi. in. (25.38 MPa), 5075 psi. in. (35.53 MPa), 7250 psi. in. (50.75 MPa), 10,000 psi. in. (70 MPa) or even more than 15,000 psi. inch (105 MPa).

In some embodiments, quenching includes contacting the material with a fluid medium, including a liquid or gaseous medium, for example, a gas capable of reacting with radicals, including acetylene or a mixture of acetylene with nitrogen, ethylene, chlorinated ethylenes or chlorofluoroethylenes, propylene, or a mixture of these gases . In other certain embodiments, quenching includes contacting the material with a liquid, for example, a liquid that dissolves, or at least is capable of penetrating the material and reacting with radicals, including a diene, including 1,5-cyclooctadiene.

In some specific embodiments, quenching involves contacting the radical with an antioxidant, including vitamin E.

Other extinguishing methods are also possible. For example, any method of quenching radicals in polymeric materials, which is described in the US patent application Me 2008/0067724 (authors Mygaiodia et al.) and in the US patent Mo 7166650 (authors Mygaidiy et al.), can be used to quench any ionized material described in this document. In addition, any extinguishing agent (which

Mygaiudisi defined by the term "sensitizer" in the above patent documents) and/or any antioxidant described in any of Mygaiadia's documents can be used to quench any ionized material.

Functionalization can be enhanced using heavy charged ions, including any of the heavy ions described herein. For example, if it is desired to accelerate oxidation, charged oxygen ions can be used for irradiation. If nitrogen functional groups are desired, nitrogen ions or anions that include nitrogen can be used. Similarly, if groups containing sulfur or phosphorus are desired, sulfur or phosphorus ions can be used in the irradiation.

After quenching, any of the quenched materials described herein can be further processed using one or more types of radiation, including ionizing or non-ionizing radiation, ultrasonication, pyrolysis, and oxidation to further alter the molecular and/or supramolecular structure.

Treatment of fluid media with a beam of particles

In some cases, the substrate materials can be processed by the particle beam in the presence of one or more additional fluid media (eg, gases and/or liquids). Impact on the material by a beam of particles in the presence of one or more additional fluid media can increase the efficiency of processing.

In some embodiments, the material is treated with a beam of particles in the presence of a fluid medium, including air. Accelerated particles fly out of the accelerator through an outlet (for example, a thin membrane, including metal foil), pass through the volume of space occupied by the fluid medium, and then fall on the material. In addition to the direct processing of the material, some particles also form chemical compounds by interaction with particles of the fluid medium (for example, ions and/or radicals formed from various components of the air, including ozone and nitrogen oxides). These resulting chemicals can also interact with the material; for example, any oxidant that is formed can oxidize the material.

In certain embodiments, additional fluids can be selectively introduced into the path of the particle beam before the beam hits the material. As discussed above, reactions between the particles of the beam and the particles of the injected fluids can form additional chemical compounds that react with the material and can contribute to the functionalization of the material, and/or otherwise selectively change certain properties of the material. One or more additional fluids can be directed into the beam path, for example, from a feed tube. The direction and rate of movement of the administered fluid(s) can be selected according to the desired dose rate and/or treatment direction to regulate the effectiveness of the entire treatment, including effects resulting from particle-based treatment and effects due to by the interaction of particles that are dynamically formed from the introduction of a fluid medium with the material.

In addition to air, examples of fluids that can be introduced into ion beams include oxygen, nitrogen, one or more noble gases, one or more halogens, and hydrogen.

Radiation treatment

The radiation can be applied to material that is dry or wet, or even dispersed in a liquid, including water, and can be used while the material is in an atmosphere of air, oxygen-enriched air or even pure oxygen, or covered by a layer of inert gas. including nitrogen, argon or helium. When maximum oxidation is preferred, an oxidizing medium, including air or oxygen, is used.

The radiation can be applied at pressures greater than about 2.5 atmospheres, including greater than 5, 10, 15, 20, or even greater than about 50 atmospheres (respectively, 0.25, 5, 1, 1.5, 2 or 5 MPa).

In some embodiments, materials are irradiated using energy that knocks an electron out of its atomic orbital. Radiation can be produced by: 1) heavy charged particles, including alpha particles or protons, 2) electrons produced, for example, in beta decay or in electron beam accelerators, or 3) electromagnetic radiation, such as gamma radiation, X-rays or ultraviolet radiation. In one approach, the radiation produced by radioactive substances can be used to irradiate the source material. In some embodiments, you can use any combination of radiation according to paragraphs. (1)-(3) in any order or simultaneously. Another approach is to use electromagnetic radiation (for example, produced by electron beam emitters) to irradiate the source material. In some cases, when chain cleavage and/or polymer chain functionalization is preferred, particles heavier than electrons can be used, including protons, helium nuclei, argon ions, silicon ions, neon ions, carbon ions, phosphorus ions, oxygen ions, or nitrogen ions. When ring-opening chain cleavage is preferred, positively charged particles due to their Lewis acid properties can be used to promote ring-opening chain cleavage. For example, when oxygen-containing functional groups are predominant, irradiation in the presence of oxygen or even irradiation with oxygen ions can be carried out. For example, when nitrogen-containing functional groups are desired, irradiation in the presence of nitrogen or even irradiation with nitrogen ions can be carried out.

Ionizing radiation

Each type of radiation ionizes the carbonaceous material through a specific interaction determined by the energy of the radiation. Heavy charged particles ionize matter mainly by means of Coulomb scattering; in addition, high-energy electrons are formed in these interactions, which can additionally ionize the substance. Alpha particles are the nuclei of helium atoms and are formed during the alpha decay of the nuclei of various radioactive elements, including isotopes of bismuth, polonium, astatine, radon, francium, radium, a number of actinides, including actinium, thorium, uranium, neptunium, curium, californium, americium and plutonium.

When particles are used, they can be neutral (uncharged), positively charged, or negatively charged. When particles are charged, they can carry a single positive or negative charge or multiple charges, such as single, double, triple, or even quadruple or higher charges. In cases where chain cleavage is predominant, positively charged particles are desirable, partly due to their acidic nature. When particles are used, these particles may have the rest mass of the electron or a higher mass, such as 500, 1000, 1500, or 2000 or more times the rest mass of the electron.

For example, the particles can have a mass of from about 1 atomic unit to about 150 atomic units, such as from about 1 atomic unit to about 50 atomic units, or from about 1 to about 25, such as 1, 2, 3, 4 , 5, 10, 12 or 15 atomic units.

Accelerators used to accelerate particles can be DC electrostatic accelerators, DC electrodynamic accelerators, radio frequency linear, magnetic induction linear, or continuous wave devices. For example, cyclotron-type accelerators are supplied by IVA (Belgium), including the NpodoihopF system), while DC accelerators are supplied by NOI (currently IVA Ipdivila!), including

BupatygopF. Ions and ion accelerators are discussed in the works of Ipigodisiogu Mysivag RNuvzisv (Introduction to nuclear physics), author Keppeii 5. Ktape, publishing house Wopp U/jeu b Bopv, Ips., 1988;

Kivio Rgeyes, Rigika Vb, 1997, vol. 4, p. 177-206; Spee, Matt T., Omegamiem/oi Hydniiop Veat Tnegaru (Review of Light Ion Beam Therapy), ISVO-IAEA Conference, Columbus, Ohio, March 18-20, 2006; maga, M., etc., APegpaiipd-Rpaze-Bosizeia IN-OTI og Neamu-ioop Medisa| AsseiIetgayug5 (Focused hollow-tube linear accelerator of type H with alternating phases for medical heavy ion accelerators), materials of ER AS 2006, Edinburgh (Scotland); and I Yeapeg, S. M. et al., Ye Yeiaiv oi She BZyregsopdisipud ESA op boshse MEMIO5 (State of Superconducting Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Source MEMO5), materials ER AS 2000, Vienna (Austria).

Gamma radiation has the advantage of a significant depth of penetration into various materials.

Sources of gamma radiation include the nuclei of radioactive elements, including isotopes of cobalt, calcium, technetium, chromium, gallium, indium, iodine, iron, krypton, samarium, selenium, sodium, and xenon.

The sources of X-ray radiation include the collision of electron beams with metal targets made, among other things, of tungsten or molybdenum or alloys, or compact light sources, including those produced by the company I Upseap.

Sources of ultraviolet radiation include deuterium or cadmium lamps. Infrared sources include ceramic lamps with a sapphire, zinc, or selenide window.

Sources of microwave radiation include klystrons, radio frequency sources of the type

Sluvin (5iIemip) or atomic beam sources that use gases, including hydrogen, oxygen, or nitrogen.

Electron beam

In some embodiments, electron beams are used as a radiation source.

The electron beam has the advantages of high dose rate (for example, 1, 5 or even 10 Mrad per second), high productivity, smaller volume and smaller equipment content. Electrons may also be more efficient in chain cleavage reactions. In addition, electrons with energy from 4 to 10 MeV can have a penetration depth of 5 to 30 mm or more, including 40 mm.

Electron beams can be created using, for example, electrostatic generators, cascade generators, transformer generators, low-energy scanning accelerators, low-energy linear cathode accelerators, linear accelerators, and pulse accelerators. Electrons as a source of ionizing radiation may be useful, for example, for relatively thin sections of material, such as less than 0.5 inch, such as less than 0.4 inch, 0.3 inch, 0.2 inch, or less than 0.1 inches (12.7, 10.16, 7.62, 5.08, or 2.54 mm, respectively). In some embodiments, the energy of each electron in the electron beam is from about 0.3 MeV to about 2.0 MeV (million electron volts), such as from about 0.5 MeV to about 1.5 MeV or from about 0.7 MeV to about 1.25 MeV. Devices for irradiation with electron beams can be mass-produced by Veeat Arriyop5 (Louven-la-Neuve, Belgium) or Tpap Sogrogayop (San Diego, California). Typically, electron energies are 1 MeV, 2 MeV, 4.5 MeV, 7.5 MeV, or 10 MeV. Typically, the power of the electron beam irradiation device is 1 kW, 5 kW, 10 kW, 20 kW, 50 kW, 100 kW, 250 kW or 500 kW. The level of depolymerization of the starting material depends on the energy of the used electrons and the applied dose, while the irradiation time depends on the power and dose. Usually, doses are taken as 1 kGy (kilogray), 5 kGy, 10 kGy, 20 kGy, 50 kGy, 100 kGy or 200 kGy.

A beam of ion particles

Particles heavier than electrons can be used to irradiate any of the biomass materials described herein. For example, protons, helium nuclei, argon ions, silicon ions, neon ions, carbon ions, phosphorus ions, oxygen ions or nitrogen ions can be used. In some embodiments, particles heavier than electrons can cause more significant chain cleavage (compared to particles of lower mass). In some cases, positively charged particles can carry out more significant chain cleavage than negatively charged particles due to their acidity. A beam of heavier particles can be created, for example, using linear accelerators or cyclotrons. In some embodiments, the energy of each particle in the beam is 1.0 MeV/at.unit. to about 6000 MeV/at.unit, for example, from about 3 MeV/at.unit. to approximately 4,800 MeV/at.unit. or from approximately 10 MeV/at.unit. up to approximately 1000 MeV/at.unit. (atomic unit).

In certain embodiments, ion beams used to irradiate carbonaceous materials, such as biomass material, may include more than one type of ion. For example, ion beams may include mixtures of ions of two or more (eg, three, four, or more) different types. Exemplary mixtures may include carbon ions and protons, carbon ions and oxygen ions, nitrogen ions and protons, and iron ions and protons. More generally, mixtures of any of the above ions (or any other ions) can be used to create irradiating ion beams.

In particular, mixtures of relatively light and relatively heavy ions can be used in the same ion beams.

In some embodiments, ion beams for irradiating materials include positively charged ions. Positively charged ions may include, for example, positively charged hydrogen ions (eg, protons), inert gas ions (including, for example, helium, neon, argon), carbon ions, nitrogen ions, oxygen ions, silicon ions, phosphorus ions, and metal ions. , including sodium ions, calcium ions and/or iron ions. Without intending to follow any theory, it is believed that the specified positively charged ions exhibit the chemical properties of Lewis acids upon impact on materials, initiating and supporting cationic chain splitting reactions with cycle opening in an oxidizing environment.

In certain embodiments, ion beams for irradiating materials include negatively charged ions. Negatively charged ions may include, for example, negatively charged hydrogen ions (eg, hydride ions) and negatively charged ions of various relatively electronegative nuclei (eg, oxygen ions, nitrogen ions, carbon ions, silicon ions, and phosphorus ions). Without intending to follow any theory, it is believed that such negatively charged ions exhibit the chemical properties of bases

Lewis when affecting materials, initiating and supporting cationic chain splitting reactions with ring opening in a reducing environment.

In some embodiments, beams for irradiating materials may include neutral atoms. For example, beams containing any one or more types of atoms, including hydrogen atoms, helium atoms, carbon atoms, nitrogen atoms, oxygen atoms, neon atoms, silicon atoms, phosphorus atoms, argon atoms, and iron atoms, used for irradiation of biomass material. As a rule, mixtures of atoms of two or more types (for example, three or more, four or more, or even more types) may be present in the bundles.

In certain embodiments, the ion beams used to irradiate materials include singly charged ions, including one or more of He, H, He, Me, Ag, Xia, Su,

OO M M, Bi", 5, RU, R", Mach, Sa: and Ge". In some embodiments, the ion beams may include ions with multiple charges, including one or more of the ions Ce C, СЯ, Mk, Me, M, 02, 02, ог,

Big, Bee, Big and Bit. As a rule, ion beams can also include more complex polynuclear ions that carry multiple positive or negative charges. In certain embodiments, due to the polynuclear ion structure, positive or negative charges can be effectively distributed over substantially the entire ion structure. In some embodiments, positive or negative charges may be localized to some extent on portions of the ion structure.

Electromagnetic radiation

In embodiments in which the exposure is by electromagnetic radiation, the electromagnetic radiation may have, for example, an energy per photon (in electron volts) greater than 102 eV, such as greater than 103, 107, 105, 105, or even more than 107 eV. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation has an energy per photon of 107 to 107, for example, 105 to 105 eV. Electromagnetic radiation can have a frequency that is, for example, more than 1075 Hz, more than 1017 Hz, 1018, 1019, 1020 or even more than 10-! Gu. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation has a frequency of 1078 to 1022 Hz, for example, 1079 to 102! Hz.

Doses

In some cases, exposure is performed at a dose rate greater than about 0.25 Mrad per second, such as greater than about 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, or even greater than about 2.5 Mrad per second. In some variants, the irradiation is carried out at a dose rate of between 5.0 and 1500.0 kilorads/h, for example, from 10.0 to 750.0 kilorads/h. or from 50.0 to 350.0 kilorads/h.

In some embodiments, the irradiation (using any radiation source or combination of sources) is carried out until the material receives a dose of at least 0.1 Mrad at least 0.25 Mrad, for example at least 1.0 Mrad at least 2.5 Mrad at least 5.0 Mrad at least 10.0 Mrad at least 60 Mrad or at least 100 Mrad. In some embodiments, irradiation is performed until the material receives a dose of from about 0.1 Mrad to about 500 Mrad, from about 0.5 Mrad to about 200 Mrad, from about 1 Mrad to about 100 Mrad, or from about 5 Mrad to about 60 Mrad. In some embodiments, a relatively low radiation dose is used, for example, less than 60 Mrad.

Pyrolysis, oxidation and chemical functionalization

Functionalization can also be carried out in other ways, for example, pyrolysis and/or oxidation. Biomass pyrolysis and oxidation is described in detail in US Patent Application Mo. 12/417840, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In some cases, similar methods can be used for the substrate materials described in this document.

Methods of functionalization of inorganic materials are well known in the art. Examples of such methods include the methods described in the articles 5oYishSrie Saptop Mapoishbez (Soluble carbon nanotubes), authors Taviv et al., Spet. Eig. ). (Chemical European Journal), 2003, v. 9, p. 4000-4008, i

Epitarripd Eplute ip a Eipsiopaiilei Maporogoih Birroiii (Introduction of an enzyme into a functionalized nanoporous substrate), U. At. Spent boss. (Journal of the American Chemical Society), 2002, v. 124, p. 11242-11243, the texts of which are incorporated by reference into this document.

Ultrasonic processing

In some cases, the material can also be subjected to ultrasonic treatment, for example, to increase porosity, for example, using the ultrasonic treatment systems described in US patent application Mo 12/417840, incorporated herein by reference above.

Other processes

Functionalization can be carried out using other methods, for example, chemical functionalization. In some cases, you can use, for example, chemical reactions of the reaction type

Fenton (Repiop), as described, for example, in US patent application Me 61/147377, the full text of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Bioprocesses using substrate materials

Sugaring

The substrate materials described herein can be used to accelerate the saccharification reaction. During saccharification, cellulose in the source material, for example, biomass material, is hydrolyzed to obtain low molecular weight carbohydrates, including sugars, under the action of a saccharifying agent, for example, an enzyme. Materials that include cellulose are treated with an enzyme, for example, a combination of material and enzyme in a liquid medium, for example, in an aqueous solution.

This reaction can be accelerated by immobilizing an enzyme or other saccharifying agent on the substrate material described herein.

Enzymes and biomass-destroying organisms that decompose biomass, including cellulose and/or lignin components of biomass, contain or produce various cellulolytic enzymes (cellulases), ligninases or various low-molecular biomass-destroying metabolites. These enzymes can be a complex of enzymes that have a synergistic effect, decomposing crystalline cellulose or lignin components of biomass. Examples of cellulolytic enzymes include: endoglucanases, cellobiohydrolases, and cellobiases (VD-glucosidases). In the saccharification process, the cellulosic substrate is first hydrolyzed in random positions, forming oligomeric intermediates. These intermediates then become substrates for cleaving exoglucanases, including cellobiohydralase, which form cellobiose from the end links of the cellulose polymer. Cellobiose is a water-soluble 1,4-linked dimer of glucose. Finally, cellobiase breaks down cellobiose to form glucose.

Cellulase is capable of breaking down biomass and can be of fungal or bacterial origin.

Acceptable enzymes include cellulases of the genera Vasilii5, Rhoendotopav5, Nitisoia, Rizagiit, Tpiviiiamia,

Astetopisht, Spguzozorogisht and Tispodepta and include species of Nitisoia, Sorgipiv, TniieYamia, Rizagiit,

Museiorpiyoga, Astetopisht, SerpnaIozrogiit, Zsuiiaiiit, RepisiPit or AzregoiiShv5 (see, for example, European patent Mo 458162), in particular, obtained by selection of strains from the species Nitisoia ipzoJep5 (reclassified as bsuiaiidite (tepthornpiisht, see, for example, US patent Mo 4435307), Sorgipiv sipetei5, Hyzayit ohuzrogyt, MuseiYiiorptoga (Sheptorniia, Mepirish5 didapiviv, PGNiviamia (egegiviv5, species

Astetopisht, including Astetopisht reguisipit, Astetopisht astetopiit, Asgtetopisht Brgaspurepiit,

Asgtetopisht aisptotovrogyt, Astetopisht obBsiamaisht, Asgtetopisht ripKepopiae, Astetopiit gozeodgizets, Astetopiit ipsoYogait and Astetopiit hygait; mainly from the species Nitisoia ipvoiep5 О5М 1800, Ryvayit ohuzrogyt О5M 2672, Museiorpiypoga Sheptorpya SV5 117.65, species Serpaiozrogyt

VUM-202, species Astetopisht SV5 478.94, species Astetopisht SV5 265.95, Astetopisht regvzisipit SVO 169.65, Astetopisht asgetopisht ANA 9519, species SerpaIozrogisht SV5 535.71, Astetopisht Bgaspurepiyt

Sv 866.73, Asgetopisht aispgotozrogyt SVB 683.73, Asgetopisht obsiakhaisht SV5 311.74,

Astetopisht ripkepopiae SV5 157.70, Astetopisht gozeodgiezenit SVO 134.56, Astetopiyt ipsoiogaisht

Sv5 146.62 and Astetopisht ygaisht SV 299.70N. Cellulite enzymes can also be obtained from

Spguzovzrogisht, mainly strain SpNguzozrogct IsKpoumuepvze. In addition, you can use

Tispodepta (in particular Hyispodegta migidee, Tispodegta geezei and Tispodegta Copypdia), alkalophilic bacilli (see, for example, US Patent Mo 3844890 and European Patent Mo 458162) and Bigeriotusev5 (see, for example, European Patent Mo 458162).

Acceptable cellobiases include cellobiase from Avregouiv5, sold under the trade name MOMO2UME 188 "M,

You can use complex enzymes, including those supplied by the Sepepsog company under the trade name ASSEIGEVABEF, for example, the complex enzyme AssayPegazeF 1500.

The complex enzyme AssayPegazefF 1500 has multifunctional enzymatic activity, acting mainly as exoglucanase, endoglucanase (2200-2800 units of CMS/g), hemi-dnelulase and p-glucosidase (525-775 units of pMPO/g), and has a pH value of 4.6 to 5.0. The activity of the complex enzyme as an endoglucanase is expressed in units of activity relative to carboxymethylcellulose (CMS units), while its activity as a D-glucosidase is expressed in units of activity relative to para-nitrophenyl-para-O-glucopyranoside (pMPO units). In one embodiment, a mixture of the complex enzyme AsseyIPegazef 1500 and cellobiase MOMO2UME "M 188" is used.

The saccharification process can be partially or fully carried out in a tank (for example, a tank having a volume of at least 4000, 40000 or 400000 L) in a production plant, or can be partially or fully carried out in a transportation process, for example in a railway tank, road tank or in a bulk tank or ship's hold. The time required for complete saccharification will depend on the process conditions and the source material and enzyme used. If saccharification is carried out at a production facility under controlled conditions, cellulose can be almost completely converted into glucose within approximately 12-96 hours.

If sugaring is carried out partially or completely during transportation, sugaring may take longer. Addition of surfactants can increase the rate of saccharification. Examples of surfactants include nonionic surfactants, including surfactants based on polyethylene glycol HyeepF 20 or

TmzheepFf 80, ionic surfactants or amphoteric surfactants.

As a rule, it is preferable that the concentration of the resulting glucose solution is relatively high, for example, more than 40 wt. 956, or more than 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or even more than 95 wt. 95. This reduces the volume transported and also inhibits the growth of microbes in the solution. However, lower concentrations can be used, in which case it may be preferable to administer an antimicrobial supplement, such as a broad-spectrum antibiotic, at a low concentration, such as 50 to 150 ppm. Other acceptable antibiotics include amphotericin B, ampicillin, chloramphenicol ( chloramphenicol), ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, hygromycin B, kanamycin, neomycin, penicillin, puromycin, streptomycin. Antibiotics will inhibit the growth of microorganisms during transportation and storage, and they can be used in appropriate concentrations, which are, for example, from 15 to 1000 wt. m.h., for example, from 25 to 500 m.h. or from 50 to 150 m.h. If necessary, the antibiotic can be added, even if the concentration of sugar is relatively high.

A relatively high concentration solution can be obtained by limiting the amount of water added to the enzyme feedstock. The concentration can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the degree to which saccharification is carried out. For example, the concentration can be increased by adding more starting material to the solution. A surfactant, such as one of those discussed above, can be added to keep the resulting sugars in solution. Solubility can also be increased by increasing the temperature of the solution. For example, the solution can be kept at a temperature of 40-50 "C, 60-80 "C or even higher.

Fermentation

Microorganisms can produce a number of useful intermediates and end products, including those described herein, by fermentation of low molecular weight sugars in the presence of functionalized biomass material. For example, during fermentation or other bioprocesses, alcohols, organic acids, hydrocarbons, hydrogen, proteins or mixtures of any given materials can be obtained.

A microorganism can be a natural microorganism or a genetically modified microorganism. For example, the microorganism can be a bacterium, for example, a cellulitis bacterium, a fungus, for example, a yeast, a plant, or a protist, for example, an alga, a protozoa, or a fungus-like protist, for example, a slime (myxomycete). When organisms are compatible, mixtures of organisms can be used.

Microorganisms suitable for fermentation have the ability to convert carbohydrates, including glucose, xylose, arabinose, mannose, galactose, oligosaccharides or polysaccharides, into fermentation products. Fermenting microorganisms include strains of the genus bZasspagotusez (sugar fungi), for example, species of basspagotuseb5 segemiviaye (baker's yeast), basspagotusev aiviaiiysiv,

Zasspagotusev imagit; genus Kinuuhegotusev, for example, species Kipuhegotusev taigihiapi5, Kipuhegotusev igadiiv; genus Sapaida (Candida), e.g. Sapaida rzeidoihorisaiih, Sapaida Bgazzisae, Risnia viiriii5 (relative of Sapaeida 5Nepaiae), genus Siamigroga, e.g. species Siamizroga Isshiiapiae and Siamigroga oripiae, genus

Raspuzoiep, e.g. species

Vgeitappotusev siaizepii (RPyirridie S. R., chapter SeiIshShiose Viosopmegsiop Tesppoiiodu (Technology of cellulose bioconversion) in the book NapabooK op Vioeiiapo!: Rgodisiop apa (igayop (Handbook on bioethanol: production and application), edited by MUutap S. E., Tauog publishing house 4 Egaps,

Washington, DC, 1996, p. 179-212).

Commercially available yeasts include, for example, Nei Siago/ ezaite EINapo! Ved, supplier of Nei eag/I ezaige (USA); EAGIF, supplier of BRIIeizsptapp'v Ueavi, branch of the firm Vygp5 Rpiir Rosa Ips. (USA); BOREKZTAKTF), a supplier of AIShesii, currently in the 1st stage; SECT ZTKAMOFYE), supplier

Sep 5igapa AV (Sweden); and REEMOI F, supplier of O5M 5resiatsiiev.

In fermentation, you can also use bacteria, for example, 7utotope5 torbia and Sioviaite

Teptoseiisht (RNpirriadih5, 1996, see above).

The optimum pH for yeast is about 4 to 5, while the optimum pH for bacteria is about 5 to 6. Typical fermentation times are about 24 to 96 hours at temperatures between 26°C and 40°C. C, however, thermophilic microorganisms prefer higher temperatures.

In some embodiments, the fermentation process can be interrupted in whole or in part before the low molecular weight sugar is completely converted to ethanol. Fermentation intermediates include highly concentrated sugars and carbohydrates. These fermentation intermediates can be used in the preparation of food for humans or animals. Additionally or alternatively, the fermentation intermediates can be ground into fine particles using a stainless steel laboratory mill to produce a flour-like material.

It is possible to use mobile fermenters, which are described in US provisional patent application Mo 60/832735 and in the currently published international patent application Mo M/O 2008/011598.

Further processing

Distillation

After fermentation, the resulting fluids can be distilled, using, for example, a "mash column" to separate the ethanol and other alcohols from the bulk water and the residual solid phase. The steam leaving the column may contain, for example, 35 wt. 96 ethanol and can enter the rectification column. An almost azeotropic mixture (92.5 95) of ethanol and water from the distillation column can be purified and pure (99.5 95) ethanol can be obtained using vapor phase molecular sieves. Bottom sediments from the fermentation column can be sent to the first stage of the three-stage evaporator. The reflux column can provide the heat for this first stage. After the first stage, the solid phase can be separated using a centrifuge and dried in a rotary dryer. Part of the liquid medium (25 95) leaving the centrifuge can be returned to fermentation, and the rest can be sent to the second and third stages of the evaporator. A large part of the condensate from the evaporator can be returned to the process as a fairly clean condensate, and a small part can be separated for wastewater treatment to prevent the formation of low-boiling compounds.

Intermediate and final products

The methods described herein can be used to produce one or more intermediate or final products, including energy, fuel, food and materials.

Specific examples of products include, but are not limited to, hydrogen, alcohols (e.g., monohydric alcohols or dihydric alcohols, including ethanol, n-propanol, or n-butanol), hydrated or aqueous alcohols, e.g., containing more than 10 95 20 U", 30 95 or even more than 40 95 water, xylitol, sugars, biodiesel fuel, organic acids (e.g. acetic acid and/or lactic acid), carbohydrates, by-products (e.g. proteins, including cellulitic proteins ( enzymes) or genetically homogeneous proteins) and mixtures of any given products in any combinations or relative concentrations, and optionally in combination with any additives, including, for example, fuel additives. Other examples include carboxylic acids, including acetic acid or butyric acid, salts of carboxylic acids, mixtures of carboxylic acids and salts of carboxylic acids, esters of carboxylic acids (e.g., methyl, ethyl, and n-propyl esters), ketones (e.g., acetone ), aldehydes (for example, acetaldehyde), c,B-unsaturated acids, including acrylic acid, and olefins, including ethylene. Other alcohols and alcohol derivatives include propanol, propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,3-propanediol, methyl or ethyl ethers of these alcohols. Other products include methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, lactic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, succinic acid, 3-hydroxypropionic acid, salts of any given acid, and mixtures of any acid and the corresponding salts.

Other intermediate and final products, including food and pharmaceutical products, are described in US patent application Ser. No. 12/417,900, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Other implementation options

A number of variants of implementation of this invention are described. However, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the essence and scope of this invention.

For example, fibers can be present in any desired form and can have a number of different morphologies. As a rule, it is preferable for cellulosic materials to have a high specific surface area. In some cases, fibers can be introduced into single-layer or multi-layer sheets; for example, the fibers may be part of a high efficiency dry air dust filter (HEPA) or similar products. The sheet material may have a specific surface area of, for example, approximately 1 to 500 me/m. The fibrous material can be applied, for example, obtained by an aerodynamic method from a melt, pleated, in the form of a grid or lattice, or made in a different geometry. Fibers can be extruded or co-extruded.

The fibers can have any desired particle size, from nano-sized, for example, less than about 1000 nm, for example, less than 500 nm, 250 nm, 100 nm, 50 nm, 25 nm, or even less than 1 nm, to larger particles, the size of which is, for example, more than 100 μm, 200 μm, 500 μm or even 1000 μm, or agglomerates of particles.

Fibers or fibrous material containing fibers can be pretreated with a microorganism and/or enzyme, and/or fibers or fibrous material can be brought into contact with a microorganism and/or enzyme during a bioprocess, including saccharification or fermentation.

Although inorganic and synthetic substrate materials are discussed herein, these materials can be used in combination with other substrate materials, such as biomass substrates described in US Provisional Patent Application Mo. 61/252293, filed Oct. 16, 2009, the full disclosure of which is included in this document by reference.

As discussed above, enzymes can be immobilized on fibers instead of or together with microorganisms.

Accordingly, other implementation options are within the scope of the following claims.

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Claims (18)

1. Fermentation method, which includes: (a) functionalization of inorganic fibers by means of exposure to fibers by ionizing radiation and quenching of irradiated fibers; 1 (5) contact of the low molecular weight sugar with the functionalized inorganic fibers and the fermenting microorganism immobilized on the fibers in an environment for a period of time and under conditions suitable for fermentation to convert the low molecular weight sugar into a fermentation product, and the fermentation occurs as a result of the interaction between the functional groups of functionalized fibers and functional groups of the microorganism. 2. The method according to claim 1, in which the inorganic fibers include a synthetic material. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, in which low molecular weight sugar is converted into alcohol. 4. The method according to claim 1, in which the microorganism includes yeast. 5. The method according to claim 4, in which the yeast is selected from the group that includes 5asspagotusev segeuiviaye 1 Rissha 5yrinv. 6. The method according to claim 1, in which the microorganism includes a bacterium. 7. The method according to claim 1, in which the bacterium includes Lutotopa5 tobi8. 8. The method according to item b, in which the low molecular weight sugar is selected from the group consisting of sucrose, glucose, xylose and their mixtures. 9. The method according to claim 1, in which irradiation is carried out using a beam of particles. 10. The method according to claim 1, in which inorganic fibers have a specific surface area according to the VET method of more than 100 m"/g. 11. The method according to claim 1, in which the inorganic fibers include a material selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, aragonite clay, orthorhombic clays, calcite clay, rhombohedral clay, kaolin, bentonite clay, calcium hydrogen phosphate, calcium orthophosphate, calcium pyrophosphate, insoluble sodium metaphosphate, magnesium orthophosphate, trisubstituted magnesium phosphate, hydroxyapatites, synthetic apatites, aluminum oxide, hydrated aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide xerogel, aluminosilicate metal complexes, sodium aluminosilicate, zirconium silicate, silicon dioxide, graphite, wollastonite, mica, glass, glass fiber, silica , talc, carbon fibers, conductive carbon black, ceramic fibers, aluminum oxide trihydrate, crushed construction waste and their mixtures. 12. The method according to claim 1, in which the inorganic fibers have a porosity of more than 70 to. 13. The method according to claim 1, in which the inorganic fibers have a porosity of more than 90 to. 14. The method according to claim 1, which additionally includes recovery of inorganic fibers after conversion and reuse of inorganic fibers in the second, subsequent conversion process. 15. The method according to item I, in which inorganic fibers are present in the form of a single-layer or multi-layer sheet. 16. The method according to claim 1, in which the inorganic fibers are present in the form of a fibrous material that is superimposed, folded or is in the form of a grid or lattice. 17. The method according to item I, in which the inorganic fibers are extruded or co-extruded inorganic fibers. 18. The method according to item I, in which the inorganic fibers have a nanometer average particle size.