Efficient production of bioethanol in mobile reactors

#Cultivation of microorganisms, such as bacteria, yeast and fungi, is important for the production of a wide variety of useful bio-preparations. Microorganisms play crucial roles in, for example, food industries, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, mining, environmental remediation, and waste management.

#There exists an enormous potential for the use of microorganisms in a broad range of industries, in particular, the use of yeast strains in the production of ethanol. Ethanol is a valuable form of energy, and can be used for generating electricity and as an alternative or supplement to, for example, petroleum-based fuels. Ethanol is also the primary source of alcohol in alcoholic beverages.

#The environmental advantages of using ethanol as a fuel or energy source are wide ranging; notably, ethanol fuel produces fewer quantities of pollutants, greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful byproducts of burning fossil fuels. Furthermore, ethanol can be produced using renewable sources, such as agricultural feedstocks. When ethanol is produced from crops, such as, for example, sugarcane, potatoes, or corn, it is often referred to as “bioethanol.”

#The present invention relates to methods and portable systems for producing ethanol that can be used, for example, as a fuel or electricity source in remote areas. Specifically, the subject invention provides methods and materials for efficient use of microorganisms for producing bioethanol, as well as portable systems for such uses.

#The concentration of ethanol produced according to the subject invention can be, for example, greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%.

#In preferred embodiments, the subject invention provides a portable system for the production of bioethanol, wherein the entire system can be housed and transported in a 10 to 50 square foot, or 20 to 40 square foot, protective container. Advantageously, the systems of the present invention can be scaled depending on the intended use.