Anaerobic solid-phase fermentation of plant substrates by Bacillus subtilis

Solid-phase growth of Bacillus subtilis 8130 on cellulose-rich plant substrates (presscakes or pulp) under hypoxic conditions was accompanied by cellulose depolymerization, protein hydrolysis, and degradation of other plant components, including some processes of mixed-type carbohydrate fermentation. The bacterial fermentation yielded propionic, butyric, hexanoic acids and butyric acid derivatives. The bacterial metabolism and fermentation degree can be characterized by the proportions of fatty acids in the reaction mixture. The product of sea buckthorn cake fermentation has a good sorption quality.