Production of Bioethanol from next generation feed-stock alga Spirogyra species

In the present study a novel and alternative feed-stock algae was used instead of traditional agro-based raw material for bioethanol production as algae do not compete with food, fodder and also easily available. Fresh water microscopic alga-Spirogyra was selected keeping in view the advantages of Spirogyra as it is rich in polysaccharides- starch and cellulose. The sun dried biomass of Spirogyra was grinded, sieved through 1mm sieve and fine powder was obtained. 50% of the powder was used directly for the saccharification and fermentation and remaining 50% of the powder was treated chemically and then used for saccharification and fermentation. Aspergillus niger MTCC 2196 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae MTCC 170 were employed in present study. Fermentation experiments were carried out by two methods i.e. stationary and shaking. In general highest yield was recorded for untreated Spirogyra biomass in stationary fermentation, further yield was enhanced when enzyme inducer lactose was added.