Process optimization for the production of sugar for the bioethanol industry from sorghum, a non-conventional source of starch

A commercial preparation of α-amylase, Biotempase, obtained from Biocon India Pvt. Ltd., and crude glucoamylase produced from Aspergillus sp. NA21 were used to hydrolyse sorghum powder, a non-conventional starchy substrate. Among various concentrations of starch (15–35%, dry weight/volume) tried for maximum liquefaction; slurry made with 25% substrate concentration proved optimal. An economical process of liquefaction was carried out using steam under pressure (0.2–0.3 bar, 104–105 °C) to liquefy a 25% slurry in just 45 min, contrary to a slower process carried out at 95 °C in a water bath. For liquefaction of starch a pH of 5.0 proved to be optimum. The dose of Biotempase as prescribed by the supplier could be reduced by 33% achieving the same degree of liquefaction, by addition of CaCl2 to the starch slurry at the concentration of 200 mg/l. The conditions for the saccharification of liquefied starch were optimized to be 45 °C and pH 5.0, producing 90% saccharification in 24 h. Supplementation of divalent ions Ca2+, Mg2+ and Zn2+ in the process of saccharification showed no effect. Finally glucose was found to be the main hydrolysis product in the saccharification of sorghum starch.