Additive Composition for Lignocellulosic Biomass Hydrolysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass require high enzyme concentrations due to lignin inhibition and non-linear yield increases with enzyme dosage, leading to high costs and inefficiencies, especially at low solid loadings and with the use of expensive surfactants.

Innovation Solution

The use of an additive composition containing ethylene glycol oligomers and metal ions, such as diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and metals like Iron and Manganese, derived from petrochemical waste, which acts synergistically to enhance enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency and reduce enzyme dosage requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high enzyme concentrations are used to achieve optimal holocellulose conversion, then hydrolysis efficiency is improved, but production cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholocellulose conversion efficiencyVSAvoidenzyme concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a surfactant as an intermediary substance that mediates between the enzyme and lignocellulosic biomass. The surfactant reduces the non-productive binding of enzymes to lignin by acting as a protective layer, thereby increasing the availability of free enzymes for productive hydrolysis of holocellulose. This allows achieving high conversion efficiency with lower enzyme concentrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical environment by introducing surfactant molecules that alter the surface properties of lignin and enzyme interactions. This parameter change in the system's chemical composition modifies the binding characteristics, reducing irreversible enzyme-lignin complex formation and improving enzyme utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If surfactants are added to enhance cellulase hydrolysis yields, then enzyme consumption is reduced, but production cost increases due to expensive surfactant materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecellulase hydrolysis yieldVSAvoidsurfactant cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs cheap, readily available surfactants such as Tween 80, Triton X-100, or SDS that can be used at relatively high concentrations (0.1-5% w/v) without significant cost penalty. These conventional surfactants provide effective enzyme protection and hydrolysis enhancement at low molecular weight and simple chemical structures, making them economically viable alternatives to expensive specialized surfactants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If municipal waste is buried or burned for disposal, then waste management is achieved, but significant expense is incurred by government organizations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste disposal feasibilityVSAvoiddisposal cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts municipal solid waste, which is typically a disposal burden requiring expensive landfilling or incineration, into a valuable resource for biofuel production. By applying pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis to municipal waste containing paper and yard waste, the process generates fermentable sugars that can be converted to ethanol, transforming a cost center into a potential revenue stream.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent demonstrates that the enzymatic hydrolysis process can handle diverse lignocellulosic materials including municipal waste, agricultural residues, and forestry waste. The universal applicability of the process to various feedstock types allows municipalities to process their waste streams through a single platform technology, eliminating the need for separate disposal infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach significantly increases hydrolysis yields without a proportional increase in enzyme dosage, effectively reducing costs and improving efficiency at higher solid loadings, while utilizing waste streams in a sustainable manner.

Implementation Method 1

enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzymatic hydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 2

ethylene glycol oligomers and metals which act in a synergistic manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSynergistic action:

Data Source

PatentUS10968322B2Method for improved production of fermentable sugars from lignocellulosic biomass using additive and enzyme

Publication Date: 2021.04.06 INDIAN OIL CORP LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to an additive or additive composition for improved production of fermentable sugars from lignocellulosic biomass during enzymatic hydrolysis. More particularly, the present invention discloses petrochemical waste as an additive or an additive composition containing one or more ethylene glycol oligomers and one or more metal ions which are useful for improved production of fermentable sugars from lignocellulosic biomass during enzymatic hydrolysis.