TY - JOUR

T1 - Electron Beam on Fermentation Medium as an Alternative Disinfection Method for Ethanol Distilleries

T2 - A Comprehensive Review

AU - Douradinho, Rafael

AU - Sica, Pietro

AU - Perecin, Danilo

AU - Oliveira, Matheus

AU - Pinto, Alana Uchoa

AU - Mota, Layna

AU - Mattos, Eduardo

AU - Almeida, João Monnerat De

AU - Piedade, Sonia

AU - Arthur, Valter

AU - Horii, Jorge

AU - Coelho, Suani

AU - Baptista, Antonio

N1 - Funding Information: This research was funded in part by \u201CCoordena\u00E7\u00E3o de Aperfei\u00E7oamento de Pessoal de N\u00EDvel Superior\u2014Brasil\u201D (CAPES), grant number 001. Publisher Copyright: © 2024 by the authors.

PY - 2024

Y1 - 2024

N2 - Corn and sugarcane are the primary feedstocks for ethanol production, but microbial contamination hinders yeast fermentation efficiency. Current control methods include antibiotics and sulfuric acid, but they have limitations, resulting in dependence on external inputs and the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This review examines electron beam technology as an industrial-scale disinfection solution for both corn- and sugarcane-based ethanol production, highlighting its advantages, limitations and opportunities for adoption in Brazil. A critical evaluation highlights the importance of optimal operating conditions for scalability, cost effectiveness and sustainable implementation. Through a practical example, we demonstrate the effectiveness of electron beam treatment in improving fermentation efficiency and reducing contamination-related losses. Notably, the ionizing radiation from this process does not affect wort sugar content or generate radioactive residues. While acknowledging the potentially high energy input requirements, cogeneration in sugarcane mills can address this, making it a viable option; however, further technical and economic evaluation should be made. In addition, electron beam technology is a promising approach for the production of high-value products such as neutral alcohol, amino acids, animal feed and pharmaceuticals. Therefore, this comprehensive review provides valuable insights for researchers, industry stakeholders and policymakers to promote sustainable and efficient ethanol production practices.

AB - Corn and sugarcane are the primary feedstocks for ethanol production, but microbial contamination hinders yeast fermentation efficiency. Current control methods include antibiotics and sulfuric acid, but they have limitations, resulting in dependence on external inputs and the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This review examines electron beam technology as an industrial-scale disinfection solution for both corn- and sugarcane-based ethanol production, highlighting its advantages, limitations and opportunities for adoption in Brazil. A critical evaluation highlights the importance of optimal operating conditions for scalability, cost effectiveness and sustainable implementation. Through a practical example, we demonstrate the effectiveness of electron beam treatment in improving fermentation efficiency and reducing contamination-related losses. Notably, the ionizing radiation from this process does not affect wort sugar content or generate radioactive residues. While acknowledging the potentially high energy input requirements, cogeneration in sugarcane mills can address this, making it a viable option; however, further technical and economic evaluation should be made. In addition, electron beam technology is a promising approach for the production of high-value products such as neutral alcohol, amino acids, animal feed and pharmaceuticals. Therefore, this comprehensive review provides valuable insights for researchers, industry stakeholders and policymakers to promote sustainable and efficient ethanol production practices.

KW - bioprocess

KW - bioproduct

KW - biorefinery

KW - contaminant

KW - distillery

KW - electron beam

KW - sterilization

KW - bioprocess

KW - bioproduct

KW - biorefinery

KW - contaminant

KW - distillery

KW - electron beam

KW - sterilization

U2 - 10.3390/fermentation10040193

DO - 10.3390/fermentation10040193

M3 - Review

AN - SCOPUS:85191520841

VL - 10

JO - Fermentation

JF - Fermentation

SN - 2311-5637

IS - 4

M1 - 193

ER -