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Evaluation of organosolv processes for the fractionation and modification of corn stover for bioconversion

Journal Article · · Biotechnol. Bioeng.; (United States)

Corn stover was pretreated for compositional fractionation and structural modification for maximum conversion of carbohydrate to soluble sugars. The process scheme consisted of three steps: (1) mild prehydrolysis if dilute sulfuric acid, (2) delignification with various organosolv solvents, and (3) enzymatic hydrolysis in an agitated bead reactor. Prehydrolysis of corn stover can be achieved at temperature ranging from 95 to 120/sup 0/C, which is a much milder condition than must be applied to wood. Various organosolv solvents, including several alcohols with acid as catalyst, ethylene glycol, and its derivatives, and amines were used for delignification of the prehydrolyzed corn stover. The low enzymic conversion (20-37%) of prehydrolzyed and solvent-extracted corn stover that was achieved implies that lignin is not the only major barrier for enzymatic hydrolysis. Modification of cellulose structure also should be accomplished to achieve a high degree of conversion. Enzymatic hydrolysis in the agitated bead system increased the rate and extent of conversion of corn stover substantially compared to systems without beads.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Waterloo, Ontario
OSTI ID:
6526505
Journal Information:
Biotechnol. Bioeng.; (United States), Journal Name: Biotechnol. Bioeng.; (United States) Vol. 29:5; ISSN BIBIA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English