The fermentability of AFEX-treated bagasse and CLM was assessed via a separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) process for ethanol and succinic acid production.  Zymomonas mobilis 37821 (pZB5) was used for ethanol and Actinobacillus succinogenes (FZ45) for succinic acid production.  Both organisms are able to metabolize glucose and xylose. Product inhibition during enzyme hydrolysis results in low product concentrations and leads to unfavorable economics.  Therefore, the fermentability of AFEX-treated bagasse to ethanol was evaluated using simultaneous saccharification fermentation (SSF) process with Saccharomyces cerevisiae D5A.  At the end of the fermentation, the solids were removed and the ethanol was distilled from the liquid stream.  The remaining liquid was concentrated and a xylose rich liquid was generated.  This stream provided the sole carbon source in a second fermentation for the production of succinic acid using A. succinogenes.  The organism is capable of  utilizing a second ethanol waste-product, CO₂, which is incorporated into the succinic acid product.

The experimental details, maximum glucose and xylose yields obtained from AFEX-treated bagasse and CLM, and fermentations yields for ethanol and succinic acid will be presented.  Economics of the processes will be discussed.