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Techniques for the Evolution of Robust Pentose-fermenting Yeast for Bioconversion of Lignocellulose to Ethanol
Published on: October 24, 2016
Hemicelluloses for fuel ethanol: A review
F M Gírio1, C Fonseca, F Carvalheiro
1Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia, I.P., Unidade de Bioenergia, Estrada do Paço do Lumiar 22, 1649-038, Lisboa, Portugal. francisco.girio@lneg.pt
Abstract:
Hemicelluloses currently represent the largest polysaccharide fraction wasted in most cellulosic ethanol pilot and demonstration plants around the world. The reasons are based on the hemicelluloses heterogeneous polymeric nature and their low fermentability by the most common industrial microbial strains. This paper will review, in a "from field to fuel" approach the various hemicelluloses structures present in lignocellulose, the range of pre-treatment and hydrolysis options including the enzymatic ones, and the role of different microbial strains on process integration aiming to reach a meaningful consolidated bioprocessing. The recent trends, technical barriers and perspectives of future development are highlighted.
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