Techno-economic analysis of recombinant Endo-β-1,4-Glucanase production from Escherichia coli Eg-RK2 culture using oil palm empty fruit bunch

Abstract

A techno-economic analysis of recombinant cellulase production from E. coli Eg-RK2 was conducted to support the fulfilling of Indonesia’s energy roadmap for ethanol production. The plant utilizes OPEFB as a primary substrate in cellulase production, with an expected lifetime of 12 years. The plant is assumed to be built in Indonesia and it will fulfill 1% of the total market demand. The effect of different pretreatment processes (alkaline, steam explosion, and sequential acid-alkaline) on the profitability parameter was also studied. A simulation using SuperPro Designer was used to calculate the mass and energy balance based on the kinetic parameters of E. coli EgRK2. A technology evaluation showed that alkaline pretreatment provides the highest yield with no known inhibitors formed. The steam explosion pretreatment offers the lowest rate of lignin and hemicellulose removal, and it is understood to form known fermentation inhibitors. The NPVs of the alkaline, steam explosion and sequential acid-alkaline pretreatments are USD 32,121,000, USD -36,841,000, and USD 384,000, respectively, which means the alkaline pretreatment is economically very feasible for the production of cellulase.

Sustainable Co-Production of Xylanase, Cellulase, and Pectinase through Agroindustrial Residue Valorization Using Solid-State Fermentation: A Techno-Economic Assessment

“…However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the enzymatic extract primarily comprises xylanase activity. A techno-economic study for the production of recombinant cellulase by Escherichia coli using oil palm empty fruit bunch showed that the cellulase selling price has the highest influence on process profitability [14]. In this sense, this analysis highlights the higher risk associated with the variability in enzymatic extract prices.…”

“…When it comes to upstream processing, it is crucial to determine whether the material will be used as it is for the bioprocess or if specific substrates need to be recovered from the biowaste. For instance, in the production of Endo-β-1,4-Glucanase using oil palm empty fruit bunch as a raw material by using an engineered Escherichia coli, the biowaste was subjected to various pre-treatment processes such as alkaline and sequential acid-alkaline treatments and steam explosion [14]. The study concluded that the alkaline pre-treatment was the most feasible for recombinant cellulase production.…”

“…Sensitivity analysis has also been useful in evaluating and managing the risks associated with fluctuating variables such as raw material costs, product prices, and other processing inputs [12,14,15]. This analysis is particularly important in industries where these variables are subject to frequent and significant fluctuations, such as the agricultural, energy, and manufacturing sectors.…”