Towards industrial application of fungal pretreatment in 2G biorefinery: scale-up of solid-state fermentation of wheat straw

Abstract Fungal pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass for bioethanol production is an environmental-friendly alternative to steam explosion. However, this biological has been tested on a small scale, where most the typical problems solid-state fermentations (SSF), such as limited aeration or temperature control, are not observed. The main objective study was assess feasibility fungal (wheat straw) at demonstration scale using white-rot fungus Irpex lacteus improve straw digestibility. Different configurations were evaluated design 22 L SSF reactor, but versatile vertical that can operate packed-bed and tray reactor selected. wheat digestibility obtained in bioreactor after 21 days (60.6%) similar achieved (57.9%). In addition, common online monitoring variables (temperature CO 2 production) correlate with action straw. As well weight loss, obtaining comparable results flask (30 34.5%, respectively). Graphical abstract