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Techniques for the Evolution of Robust Pentose-fermenting Yeast for Bioconversion of Lignocellulose to Ethanol
Published on: October 24, 2016
Flexible biorefinery for producing fermentation sugars, lignin and pulp from corn stover
Kiran L Kadam1, Chim Y Chin2, Lawrence W Brown2
1PureVision Technology, Inc., 511 McKinley St., Ft Lupton, CO, 80621, USA. Kiran@PureVisionTechnology.com.
Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology
|February 15, 2008
Summary
This study introduces a green biorefining process to convert agricultural waste into valuable products like ethanol, pulp, and lignin. The process efficiently separates biomass components, enabling high-quality cellulose for specialty pulp and dissolving pulp production.
Area of Science:
- Biomass Conversion
- Green Chemistry
- Sustainable Development
Background:
- Agricultural residues present a significant waste stream.
- Biorefining offers a sustainable approach to valorize biomass.
- Current processes often lack efficiency in product separation and value.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel biorefining process for agricultural residues.
- To evaluate the potential of cellulose stream for specialty pulp and fermentation sugars.
- To explore applications for lignin and hemicellulosic sugars.
Main Methods:
- Continuous biomass fractionation.
- Enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose.
- Characterization of cellulose for pulp production.
- Evaluation of lignin and sugar stream applications.
Main Results:
- The process yields separate streams of sugars, lignin, and cellulose.
- Cellulose stream shows high enzymatic digestibility and suitability for specialty and dissolving pulp.
- Lignin is suitable for resins, adhesives, and binders.
- Hemicellulosic sugars can be used for ethanol or xylitol production.
Conclusions:
- The biorefining process offers a sustainable and efficient method for biomass valorization.
- Cellulose fraction is a high-value product for pulp and paper industry.
- Co-products like lignin and sugars expand the economic viability of the biorefinery.
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