A continuous thermophilic cellulose fermentation in an upflow reactor by aClostridium thermocellum-containing mixed culture

Summary A continuous thermophilic cellulose fermentation by aCl. thermocellum-containing mixed culture was carried out in an upflow reactor for a period of 100 days. The cellulose conversion rate was finally 0.35 g.1^–1.h^–1. Evidence that the fermentation process was influenced by both pH and dilution rate was given by the changes of concentration of the main fermentation products, acetic acid and ethanol. The role of cellodextrins and glucose as reactive intermediates in the process of cellulose breakdown was established.