Effect of Redcedar Oil During Biological Conversion f Eastern Redcedar to Ethanol

Prior research in to the conversion of Red Cedar to ethanol has shown some inefficiencies to the process. This paper addresses whether or not the natural oils found in Red Cedar are inhibitory to conversion processes of this cellulosic feedstock to ethanol. Addition of 1% Red Cedar oil shows a change of cellulose to glucose yield from 47% to 31% in the enzymatic hydrolysis process. Adding the same amount of Red Cedar oil to a yeast fermentation shows ethanol conversion happens slower, but is not otherwise affected.