Addressing raw material variability: In-line FTIR sugar composition analysis of lignocellulosic process streams

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Chemical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Sustainable economies rely on biorefineries utilizing second-generation feedstocks.
• The variability of renewable feedstocks poses challenges for consistent bioprocess control.
• Accurate, real-time monitoring of feedstock composition is crucial for optimizing biorefinery operations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a process analytical technique (PAT) for real-time sugar composition analysis of lignocellulosic streams.
• To enable enhanced control of bioprocesses through immediate feedback on feedstock composition.
• To quantify major sugars in ultra-filtered spent sulfite liquor (UF-SSL) using a novel PAT strategy.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an in-line mid-infrared (mid-IR) probe for spectral acquisition of ultra-filtered spent sulfite liquor (UF-SSL).
• Developed independent partial least squares (PLS) models for quantifying abundant sugars.
• Simultaneously determined the concentration and composition of up to five key sugars.

Main Results:

• Achieved low root mean square errors for key sugar quantifications: 1.02 g/L (arabinose), 1.25 g/L (galactose), 0.50 g/L (glucose), 1.60 g/L (mannose), and 0.85 g/L (xylose).
• Demonstrated the capability of the PAT strategy to provide real-time sugar composition data for UF-SSL.
• Successfully quantified multiple sugars simultaneously within the lignocellulosic stream.

Conclusions:

• The developed PAT tool enables real-time monitoring of sugar composition in UF-SSL.
• This technology facilitates improved bioprocess control and optimization in biorefineries.
• Opens avenues for developing new bioprocessing strategies for UF-SSL.