Determination of kinetic parameters of the anaerobic biotransformation process of corn cob (Zea Mays L.) with Lactobacillus acidophilus

Abstract

The cob is the residue generated from the separation of the grain from the cob, and due to its components, it is considered a lignocellulosic material, so its use is limited, which favors the burning of the cob and its spreading, thus generating a problem of environmental pollution. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when supplied in adequate amounts, provide a beneficial effect to the host, reducing the carbohydrate content in lignocellulosic materials through fermentation, obtaining a product rich in nutrients. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the kinetic parameters of biotransformation of corn residues through the fermentative action of the probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus. Anaerobic fermentation kinetics were performed using the bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus at different concentrations (10 and 15% v/v) to obtain kinetic parameters of microbial growth and substrate consumption for the biotransformation of white corn (Zea MaysL.) residues. The kinetic parameters indicate that when using 15% inoculum, the bacteria adapt to a greater extent to the substrate since the Ks value was 0.5693 g/L and the adaptation time was 18.25 h, thus allowing the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus and therefore the process of biotransformation of corn residues. While for the consumption of substrate, it was identified that the use of 10% inoculum was better since it presented a value of k of 0.2534 that is higher than the value obtained when 15% is used because the rate of substrate consumption is faster. Therefore, the dose of 15% inoculum seems to be the most suitable for the adaptation of the bacteria in the shortest time and therefore the biotransformation process is carried out.