Effects of hot-washing process on structure and enzymatic hydrolysis of treated steam explosion corn stover

Abstract

Background

Cellulase adsorption of lignocellulosic materials is the key link during enzymatic hydrolysis. Hot-washing process (above lignin glass transition temperature) was used to change the physical structure of lignin, decrease covalent connection between cellulose and lignin, reduce the concentration of inhibitor, and explore the feasibility of enzymatic hydrolysis. The general objective of the paper was conducted to determine whether the hot-washing process has the potential to change the mechanism of lignin on enzyme hydrolysis.

Results

Hot-washing was carried out at 151 °C for 20 min. The ratio of acid insoluble lignin to acid soluble lignin was increased, while the formation of spherical lignin droplets on the cell wall surface was decreased. Enzymatic digestibility of hot-washed filter cakes showed enhanced digestibility over the control samples. The concentration of fermentation inhibitor (acetic acid, formic acid, furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural) obviously decreased after hot-washing process.

Conclusions

Hot-washing process significantly increased the adsorption ability of cellulase on the substrates and digestibility of biomass without removing much of the insoluble lignin content. Lignin distribution and/or physical property composition play a role.

Keywords

Corn stover / Hot-washing / Glass transition temperature / Lignin

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