Screening method for Enzyme-based liquefaction of corn stover pellets at high solids
Luana Assis Serra1, Rosineide Gomes da Silva Cruz2, Diana M R Gutierrez3
1Purdue University/ Laboratory of Renewable Resources Engineering (LORRE), West Lafayette, IN, USA; University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
Bioresource Technology
|September 24, 2022
Summary
A new lab assay quickly screens corn stover pellets for enzyme-based liquefaction potential. This method helps identify suitable biomass for efficient slurry formation in biorefineries.
Area of Science:
- Biomass Conversion
- Biorefining Technologies
- Enzymatic Hydrolysis
Background:
- Corn stover liquefaction is key for biorefineries, but not all pelletized forms readily liquefy.
- Screening unsuitable biomass pellets before processing is crucial for efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid laboratory assay for assessing the enzyme-based liquefaction potential of corn stover pellets.
- To identify corn stover pellet lots suitable for high solids loading slurries.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 28 corn stover pellet samples using enzyme solutions (3 FPU cellulase/g biomass) at 30% w/v solids loading.
- Monitoring liquefaction over 24 hours using imaging and reducing sugar measurements.
- Correlation of small-scale assay results with large-scale bioreactor performance.
Main Results:
- The laboratory assay successfully differentiated pellet suitability for liquefaction.
- Some samples formed concentrated slurries (300 mg/mL dry basis) in the assay, confirmed in bioreactors.
- The assay demonstrated potential for optimizing enzyme formulations for slurry formation.
Conclusions:
- A rapid laboratory assay can effectively screen corn stover pellets for enzyme-based liquefaction.
- This screening method is vital for ensuring efficient biomass processing and slurry formation in biorefineries.
- The assay can aid in the development of improved enzyme formulations for biomass conversion.
