Optimal utilization of seaweeds in integrated biorefineries

Seaweeds are interesting feedstocks for biorefineries. The green seaweed Ulva lactuca contains a wide variety of carbohydrates and large amounts of protein and ash and can therefore be used for the production of biofuels, chemicals or animal feeds in integrated biorefineries [1, 2]. Rhamnose, one of the main sugars in U. lactuca, can be fermented by Clostridium beijerinckii to acetone, butanol and ethanol (ABE) and 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PD) [2]. The catabolic pathway of rhamnose, however, is not yet well studied in this organism.