Alkaline Pretreated Biomass pH Control for Enzymatic Hydrolysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for converting lignocellulosic biomass into organic acids, such as lactic acid, face challenges due to the high pH of alkaline pretreated biomass, which hinders enzymatic hydrolysis and results in inefficient production processes, including the formation of low-value salts and high water usage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving alkaline pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass to achieve a pH between 8.0 and 14.0, followed by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF), where the alkaline pretreated biomass is used to control pH and maintain optimal conditions for microbial activity, thereby enhancing enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If alkaline pretreatment is performed to improve biomass structure and remove lignin, then accessibility of polysaccharides for enzymatic hydrolysis is enhanced, but pH becomes too high for efficient enzymatic hydrolysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing alkaline pretreatment to modify the biomass structure and remove lignin before the enzymatic hydrolysis step. This preliminary modification enhances polysaccharide accessibility, creating favorable conditions for subsequent enzymatic action while the pH adjustment bridges the gap between pretreatment and hydrolysis requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the pH from the high alkaline state (pH 8-14) achieved during pretreatment to a lower pH range suitable for enzymatic hydrolysis. This parameter transition enables the system to benefit from both the structural modifications of alkaline pretreatment and the optimal conditions for enzyme activity
2Ease of operation
If pH is lowered by washing with water to enable enzymatic hydrolysis, then enzymatic activity is improved, but water consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using water for pH adjustment, the patent employs acid neutralization to lower the pH from alkaline to optimal ranges for enzymatic activity. This alternative parameter change approach achieves the same operational goal (suitable pH for hydrolysis) without the substantial water consumption associated with washing methods
3Ease of operation
If pH is lowered by neutralizing with acids to enable enzymatic hydrolysis, then enzymatic activity is improved, but low-value salts are formed as by-products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses controlled acid neutralization to adjust pH from alkaline to optimal levels for enzymatic hydrolysis. By carefully selecting and controlling the neutralization process, the method achieves suitable pH conditions while minimizing the formation of unwanted salt by-products, balancing operational efficiency with product quality
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional pretreatment methods are used to improve biomass structure, then polysaccharide accessibility is enhanced, but additional pH adjustment steps and water usage are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pretreatment and pH adjustment functions into an integrated process. The alkaline pretreatment step simultaneously achieves structural modification of biomass and creates a pH state that can be efficiently adjusted to optimal levels, reducing the need for separate, standalone pH adjustment operations and minimizing overall process complexity
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 allows for efficient production of organic acids like lactic acid by maintaining a stable pH, reducing the need for additional pH adjustments and minimizing the formation of low-value salts, thus improving the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the process.
Implementation Method 1
Pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass with an alkaline agent to obtain alkaline pretreated lignocellulosic biomass with a pH of between about 8.0 and about 14.0
Implementation Method 2
The main pathway to derive fermentable sugars from lignocellulose is through enzymatic hydrolysis by cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzymes
Implementation Method 3
The main pathway to derive fermentable sugars from lignocellulose is through enzymatic hydrolysis by cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzymes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the production of a fermentation product from lignocellulosic biomass, to a reactor to carry out the method and to use of the reactor to produce a fermentation product.