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Optimizing tri-acid mixture hydrolysis: An improved strategy for efficient xylooligosaccharides production from
Hong Liao1, Yong Xu1, Fubao Fuelbiol Sun2
1Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; Key Laboratory of Forestry Genetics & Biotechnology (Nanjing Forestry University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing 210037, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Green Biomass-based Fuels and Chemicals, Nanjing 210037, China.
Researchers explored using cheaper organic acids like formic acid (FA) and acetic acid (AC) to replace expensive propionic acid (PA) for producing xylooligosaccharides (XOS) from corncob, successfully lowering costs.
Area of Science:
- Biomass valorization
- Carbohydrate chemistry
- Green chemistry
Background:
- Propionic acid (PA) hydrolysis of corncob is effective for xylooligosaccharides (XOS) production but is limited by high costs.
- Exploring alternative, less expensive organic acids is crucial for economically viable XOS production.
- Formic acid (FA) and acetic acid (AC) are potential substitutes for PA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of producing XOS from corncob using a mixed acid hydrolysis system.
- To determine the optimal ratio of formic acid (FA), acetic acid (AC), and propionic acid (PA) for maximizing XOS yield.
- To reduce the overall cost of XOS production through partial replacement of PA.
Main Methods:
- Corncob was subjected to hydrolysis using a mixture of formic acid (FA), acetic acid (AC), and propionic acid (PA).
- The optimal volume ratio of FA:PA:AC was determined to be 1:5:4.
- Hydrolysis was conducted at 150 °C for 50 minutes.
Main Results:
- A high yield of xylooligosaccharides (XOS) reached 69.1% under the optimized conditions.
- It was possible to replace 60% of propionic acid (PA) with formic acid (FA) and acetic acid (AC).
- The hydrolysis temperature was successfully reduced from 170 °C to 150 °C.
Conclusions:
- Partial replacement of propionic acid (PA) with formic acid (FA) and acetic acid (AC) is feasible for corncob hydrolysis.
- The optimized tri-acid mixture and reduced temperature significantly lower the cost of XOS production.
- This approach offers a more economical route for industrial-scale xylooligosaccharides (XOS) manufacturing.
