A method for producing a fermentate including the steps of obtaining a fruit or vegetable extract, treating the extract with a hydrolytic enzyme, mixing the extract with a fermenting microorganism, water, and a growth media to produce a liquid composition; and incubating the liquid composition at a controlled temperature and a controlled pH to produce a fermentate. A method for killing or inhibiting the growth of a contaminating microorganism on or within a food product, and a food product including a fermentate having a cellular mass component from a fermenting microorganism, a fermented fruit or vegetable extract and a hydrolytic enzyme are disclosed. A fermentate produced by any one of the methods described is contemplated. The fermentate may be a concentrated liquid or a dry powder and has the ability to inhibit the growth of a contaminating microorganism by 100% when diluted to less than 5% (w/v).

“Green” methods of preparing oxygenated products, animal feed, and fertilizer are disclosed. Desired oxygenated products include, but are not limited to, ethanol, acetic acid, butyrate, butanol, propionate, propanol, or any combination thereof. The methods use synthesis gas (syngas), which can be produced from processing of coal, natural gas, and/or biomass. The syngas contains some combination of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and/or carbon dioxide. The method entails blending the syngas with purge (tail) gases from industrial processes and/or with hydrogen gas, e.g., produced from renewable sources. The resulting mixture is a H.sub.2-enriched syngas that is fermented by microorganisms that are well suited to ferment hydrogen-rich gases. Byproducts from the method can also be recovered. The disclosure also provides methods of preparing material fertilizer and animal feed, respectively. By repurposing purge gases so they are not emitted into the environment and/or using hydrogen from renewable sources, the disclosed methods are environmentally-friendly.

“Green” methods of preparing oxygenated products, animal feed, and fertilizer are disclosed. Desired oxygenated products include, but are not limited to, ethanol, acetic acid, butyrate, butanol, propionate, propanol, or any combination thereof. The methods use synthesis gas (syngas), which can be produced from processing of coal, natural gas, and/or biomass. The syngas contains some combination of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and/or carbon dioxide. The method entails blending the syngas with purge (tail) gases from industrial processes and/or with hydrogen gas, e.g., produced from renewable sources. The resulting mixture is a H.sub.2-enriched syngas that is fermented by microorganisms that are well suited to ferment hydrogen-rich gases. Byproducts from the method can also be recovered. The disclosure also provides methods of preparing material fertilizer and animal feed, respectively. By repurposing purge gases so they are not emitted into the environment and/or using hydrogen from renewable sources, the disclosed methods are environmentally-friendly.

Biocatalytic conversion systems and methods of producing and using same that have improved yields are disclosed. The systems and methods involve co-fermentation of sugars and gaseous substrates for alcohol, ketone, and/or organic acid production. The systems and methods may include biocatalytically converting at least one sugar substrate into at least one of alcohol, at least one ketone, and/or at least one organic acid. The systems and methods may further include biocatalytically converting gases that comprise CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 to at least one alcohol and/or at least one organic acid, thereby adding extra revenue to biorefineries.

Biocatalytic conversion systems and methods of producing and using same that have improved yields are disclosed. The systems and methods involve co-fermentation of sugars and gaseous substrates for alcohol, ketone, and/or organic acid production. The systems and methods may include biocatalytically converting at least one sugar substrate into at least one of alcohol, at least one ketone, and/or at least one organic acid. The systems and methods may further include biocatalytically converting gases that comprise CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 to at least one alcohol and/or at least one organic acid, thereby adding extra revenue to biorefineries.

The present invention relates to the preparation of organic molecules by anaerobic fermentation of biomass, in which the fermentation liquor is aerated prior to the organic molecule recovery step.

The present invention relates to the preparation of organic molecules by anaerobic fermentation of biomass, in which the fermentation liquor is aerated prior to the organic molecule recovery step.

A process is provided for bioconversion of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. More specifically, the process includes fermenting carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide containing substrate with acetogenic bacteria. The process provides for high levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide conversions and utilization of hydrogen.

A process is provided for bioconversion of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. More specifically, the process includes fermenting carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide containing substrate with acetogenic bacteria. The process provides for high levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide conversions and utilization of hydrogen.

Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and compositions for the uniform pretreatment of biomass within seconds with low inhibitor formation. The pretreatment process is used to convert biomass to a fuel, sugars, or other useful chemicals by subjecting the feedstock to a rapid retention time under pressure and temperature and/or chemical reactant. The system includes at least one high pressure, steam impermiable plug and a continuously-operating valve discharge apparatus to discharge pretreated feedstock while maintaining uniform pressure on the pretreatment system.