This work illustrates the feasibility of a continuous simultaneous
saccharification and fermentation process by using cellulase enzymes
and yeast cells immobilized on separate surfaces. The
immobilization to polymer supports was achieved using reaction
with radicals embedded in PIII treated polystyrene. This direct covalent
immobilisation has been shown to be effective in maintaining
the immobilised enzyme and yeast activities under a
continuous flow. In the proposed process, the end product inhibition
is minimized while enzyme and yeast activities are optimized
by separating saccharification and fermentation in different vessels.
The present work also highlights the issues which relate to a
continuous process of cellulosic ethanol production, especially the
influence of yeast on immobilized enzyme activities in long term
operation.