Instant Controlled Pressure-Drop (DIC) for Volatile Compound Extraction and Bioethanol Production from Empty Aleppo...

Area of Science:

• Biomass valorization
• Green chemistry
• Sustainable energy

Background:

• Plant-derived volatile compounds are extracted as essential oils, leaving lignocellulosic waste.
• Existing extraction methods generate solid waste, posing disposal challenges.
• Novel technologies are needed to valorize this waste stream.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of instant controlled pressure-drop (DIC) technology for simultaneous volatile compound extraction and lignocellulosic matrix modification.
• To optimize DIC parameters for efficient volatile compound extraction using response surface methodology (RSM).
• To evaluate the subsequent bioethanol production from the modified lignocellulosic residues via simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF).

Main Methods:

• Instant controlled pressure-drop (DIC) treatment applied to Eucalyptus chips and Aleppo pinecones.
• Optimization of DIC parameters using a 3-variable design of experiments and response surface methodology (RSM).
• Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of DIC-treated residues for 72 hours at 37°C.

Main Results:

• DIC treatment achieved 100% efficiency in volatile compound extraction.
• Eucalyptus chips yielded 50 volatile compounds, including 1,8-Cineole and β-phellandrene.
• Aleppo pinecones yielded 32 volatile compounds, including caryophyllene and camphor.
• Highest bioethanol yields reached 73.9% (Eucalyptus) and 54.82% (pinecones) (g/100g DM).

Conclusions:

• DIC technology is a viable method for extracting valuable volatile compounds from plant waste.
• DIC pretreatment significantly enhances the lignocellulosic matrix for efficient bioethanol production.
• This integrated approach offers a sustainable pathway for biomass valorization and biofuel generation.