The aim of our study was the utilization of this liquid fraction as carbon source for cellulase production by Trichoderma reesei RUT C30 in shake flask cultures. Other main components of the medium were distiller’s spent grain (wheat based), plus in the second series of experiments ground wheat grain with or without α-amylase treatment. Supplementing the liquid fraction with these substrates makes an excellent opportunity to integrate first and second generation ethanol production. Efficiency of the fermentations was assessed by activity measurements (FPA, ß-glucosidase) and hydrolysis tests using the produced enzymes in the hydrolysis of steam pretreated wheat straw.
Results of the first series where no grain was added showed that detoxification of the liquid fraction is needed, since without it no enzyme production was observed. Preliminary results imply that combination of the liquid fraction with wheat grain can create a medium which is appropriate for effective in-house enzyme production in an integrated wheat-based ethanol production plant.