Abstract: A system with a first analytical testing device configured collect a first and second signal associated with a characteristic parameter of a sample material, wherein the characteristic parameter is capable of enabling evaluation of ethanol production yield for plant material corresponding to the sample material. A drying unit is configured to drive the sample material to a substantially standard moisture level. A fermentation unit is configured to ferment the sample material. A second analytical testing device is configured to collect a reference measurement associated with the characteristic parameter. The reference measurement is capable of being correlated to the first and second signals for building a calibration model used to evaluate ethanol production yield of plant material corresponding in composition to the sample material. Associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are high throughput methods for converting starch-containing plant material to ethanol, wherein the conversion process is performed at a small scale. This high-throughput screening platform permits the evaluation of the ethanol obtained from starch-containing plant material in a rapid and efficient manner. The methods include obtaining a plurality of samples of starch-containing plant material and drying the samples to achieve a desired moisture level. The dried samples are liquefied under conditions sufficient to hydrolyze the starch-containing plant material to soluble dextrinized substrates. The liquefied samples are fermented in small volume headspace vials for a period of less than about 96 hours, and fermentation is terminated by pasteurization. Ethanol production is evaluated using headspace gas chromatography.

Abstract: Provided herein are high throughput methods for converting starch-containing plant material to ethanol, wherein the conversion process is performed at a small scale. This high-throughput screening platform permits the evaluation of the ethanol obtained from starch-containing plant material in a rapid and efficient manner. The methods include obtaining a plurality of samples of starch-containing plant material and drying the samples to achieve a desired moisture level. The dried samples are liquefied under conditions sufficient to hydrolyze the starch-containing plant material to soluble dextrinized substrates. The liquefied samples are fermented in small volume headspace vials for a period of less than about 96 hours, and fermentation is terminated by pasteurization. Ethanol production is evaluated using headspace gas chromatography.

Abstract: A system is provided to calibrate for a near infrared analytical testing device configured to screen for ethanol production yield of an ethanol-producing material. The system comprises a first analytical testing device configured collect a first and second signal associated with a characteristic parameter of a sample material, wherein the characteristic parameter is capable of enabling evaluation of ethanol production yield for plant material corresponding to the sample material. A drying unit is configured to drive the sample material to a substantially standard moisture level. A fermentation unit is configured to ferment the sample material. A second analytical testing device is configured to collect a reference measurement associated with the characteristic parameter. The reference measurement is capable of being correlated to the first and second signals for building a calibration model used to evaluate ethanol production yield of plant material corresponding in composition to the sample material.