Lignocellulosic Hydrolysis via Acid-Alkali and Polyol Treatment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing fermentable sugars from lignocellulosic materials are hindered by high costs, low efficiency, and environmental concerns due to the need for extensive enzyme use and adverse reaction conditions in pretreatment processes.
Innovation Solution
Sequential treatment of lignocellulosic material with acid and/or alkali followed by a polyol, specifically glycerol, enhances hydrolysis efficiency, reducing the need for high enzyme amounts and improving process economics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional pretreatment processes are used to disrupt the natural structure of lignocellulosic material, then hydrolysis can proceed, but the process requires high enzyme amounts, adverse reaction conditions, and generates environmental concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the treatment medium by using deep eutectic solvents (DES) with specific compositions (choline chloride combined with organic acids or hydrogen bond donors) instead of conventional harsh chemicals. This parameter change allows hydrolysis to proceed under milder conditions (lower temperature and pressure) while maintaining or improving efficiency, thereby reducing adverse reaction conditions and environmental impact
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite treatment systems that combine deep eutectic solvents with enzymatic hydrolysis in a coordinated sequence. The DES composite medium performs multiple functions: disrupting lignocellulosic structure, solubilizing hemicellulose, and creating favorable conditions for enzyme action. This composite approach replaces conventional separate pretreatment and hydrolysis steps, reducing the need for high enzyme amounts and adverse conditions
2Quantity of substance
If conventional pretreatment methods are applied to achieve effective hydrolysis, then fermentable sugars can be produced, but high enzyme amounts are required which further increases costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by using deep eutectic solvents to pre-disrupt the lignocellulosic structure and solubilize hemicellulose before enzymatic hydrolysis begins. This preliminary treatment modifies the substrate to be more accessible to enzymes, thereby reducing the amount of enzyme needed to achieve the same sugar yield and lowering overall production costs
Solution Approach 2:
The deep eutectic solvent acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates the interaction between the lignocellulosic material and enzymes. The DES modifies the physical and chemical properties of the substrate, creating an intermediate state that is more amenable to enzymatic attack, thus reducing enzyme consumption while maintaining high sugar yields
3Device complexity
If single step treatment with combined acid/alkali and polyol is used, then process simplicity is maintained, but hydrolysis efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the treatment process into distinct sequential steps: first treating with acid or alkali to disrupt the lignocellulosic structure, then treating with polyol to further modify the material and create favorable conditions for hydrolysis. This segmentation allows each treatment to perform its specific function optimally, achieving high hydrolysis efficiency while maintaining reasonable process simplicity through clear stepwise operations
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 method results in more efficient sugar production with lower capital and operational costs, faster sugar extraction, and reduced environmental impact, while maintaining high sugar yields and minimizing degradation products.
Implementation Method 1
treating a lignocellulosic material with an acid and/or an alkali
Implementation Method 2
treating the lignocellulosic material with an acid and/or an alkali; thereby producing a partially hydrolysed lignocellulosic material
Implementation Method 3
treating the lignocellulosic material of step (i) with an agent that comprises, consists or consists essentially of a polyol
Implementation Method 4
treating the lignocellulosic material of step (i) with an agent that comprises, consists or consists essentially of a polyol; thereby producing a partially hydrolysed lignocellulosic material
Implementation Method 5
the cellulose and/or hemicellulose components of lignocellulosic material need to be converted to monosaccharides (i.e., monosugars) that are capable of being fermented
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a partially hydrolysed lignocellulosic material is provided including treating a lignocellulosic material with an acid and/or an alkali and then a polyol. Also provided are methods of producing a fermentable sugar, or a fermentable sugar and a fermentation product from said partially hydrolysed lignocellulosic material. A partially hydrolysed lignocellulosic material, a fermentable sugar, and fermentation product produced by such methods are also provided. Also provided is an apparatus for producing a partially hydrolysed lignocellulosic material, such as by the aforementioned method.