Techno-economic analysis of a novel laccase production process utilizing perennial biomass and the aqueous phase of bio-oil

This study explored a novel laccase production process utilizing perennial biomass and the aqueous phase from bio-oil. Experimental and techno-economic modeling were coupled to gain insight into and optimize the solid-state fermentation conditions for minimizing the laccase selling price. At relatively small scales, processing only 230 Mg of prairie biomass per year, it was determined that a minimum laccase selling price of $0.05/kU was needed to achieve a 5-year return on investment assuming a 10% discount rate. Insights into the capital and operating costs were discussed, as well as a sensitivity analysis, which showed the minimum laccase selling price to be most sensitive to parameters affecting laccase output from the plant. Limitations and future outlooks were provided, emphasizing the need for further process optimization to minimize fermentation time and downstream losses.