Acid hydrolysis of sucrose in sweet sorghum syrup followed by succinic acid production using a genetically engineered Escherichia coli

Acid hydrolysis of sucrose was studied as a method to convert in sweet sorghum syrup into glucose and fructose before fermentation with the genetically engineered succinic acid-producing Escherichia coli strain AFP184. Successful achieved without noticeable formation degradation products using moderate temperatures, 65–85 °C, 0.24–0.48 M HCl less than 30 min. The measured rates were lower previously reported for molasses. E. AFP184 consumed all sugars (glucose fructose) hydrolysate. predominately acetic acid. final concentration acid 27 g/L, but organism shown produce higher levels (60 g/L), when grown under optimal conditions on pure glucose. Note that results during scale-up should be seen preliminary, initial sugar content, aeration, agitation, duration aerobic growth phase not optimized. Thus, improved closer those experienced are expected.