The benefits of applied research in improving the ethanol fermentation process

Abstract

The Brazilian Ethanol Program (PRÓ-ÁLCOOL), launched in 1975, was established with the purpose of reducing petroleum imports in response to the sharp increase in oil prices on the international market. In this context, Fermentec was founded in 1977 with the objective of optimizing the fermentation process and improving industrial efficiency. The application of statistical analysis proved to be a decisive factor in the successful enhancement of ethanol yield. Likewise, the adaptation of analytical methodologies to industrial laboratories was of great importance for accurately measuring process efficiency and mitigating losses. In parallel, yeast selection for industrial fermentation was implemented initially using nuclear chromosome karyotyping and later mitochondrial DNA analysis. The latter technique enabled the development of the so-called Process-Driven Selection methodology, which allows the identification of specific yeast strains better adapted to each distillery. Currently, yeasts selected and “customized” through this process account for approximately 90% of the Brazilian market.