Fractionating process of lignocellulosic biomass for the enzymatic production of short chain cello-oligosaccharides

Abstract

This study performed a prior delignification with sodium chlorite treatment on sugarcane straw and coffee husk waste, followed by alkaline treatment strategies; aiming at the increase cellulose recovery efficiency and the decrease of chemical consumption process. This study also explored an effective approach in the use of the cellulose recovery fraction for the enzymatic production of short chain cello-oligosaccharides, using optimal mixture of commercial enzymes (cellulases with esterase), that have never been studied or reported in any other work with this approach. The hydrothermal alkaline treatment using KOH concentration 4.5% w/v, displayed similar effects to treatment with moderate temperature conditions (35 °C) with high a KOH concentration (24% w/v). The cellulose extraction efficiency was significant, around 92%, and achieved delignification close to 91%. Efficient enzyme mixtures that achieved maximum cello-oligosaccharide yields of around 63.56 mg. gsubstrate and low glucose concentrations were developed. This suggests a probably cost reductions and simplification in the purification step, for future application in the different industrial fields.