Enhancing bioethanol production using sodium microcrystalline cellulose sulfate (Na-MCS) encapsulated Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the presence of aldehyde and acid inhibitors

Developing renewable energy sources, such as bioethanol, is crucial for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. However, inhibitors such as aldehydes and organic acids generated during biomass pretreatment significantly hinder fermentation performance. Saccharomyces cerevisiae , the most widely used yeast in industrial bioethanol production, is particularly sensitive to these inhibitory compounds. While genetic engineering can enhance yeast tolerance, it often involves complex and time-consuming processes. As an alternative, encapsulation of S. cerevisiae within a partially permeable membrane offers improved stability and protection under stressful fermentation conditions. This study investigates the encapsulation of S. cerevisiae using sodium microcrystalline cellulose sulfate (Na-MCS) combined with a synthetic polycation to form a stable membrane matrix. The results demonstrate that encapsulated S. cerevisiae cells exhibit significantly higher glucose consumption and ethanol productivity compared to free cells when exposed to aldehydes and acids. Encapsulation effectively enhances yeast tolerance to inhibitors such as furfural, vanillin, and various organic acids, resulting in improved fermentation efficiency. Overall, Na-MCS encapsulation presents a promising strategy for increasing the robustness and productivity of S. cerevisiae in bioethanol fermentation under inhibitory conditions.