This article explains the microbiology behind biomass recalcitrance, what happens during enzymatic hydrolysis, and what industry standards should be. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.uta.edu/biology/grover/classnotes/5101/Himmel%20et%20al.pdf
Category: Pretreatment
pretreatment webpage
Enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulosic biomass
Enzymatic hydrolysis that converts lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars may be the most complex step in this process due to substrate-related and enzyme-related effects and their interactions. This review looks at which organisms produce enzymes, as well as the chemistry and physics of these enzymatic processes. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.cert.ucr.edu/research/ses/Enzymatic%20hydrolysis%20of%20cellulosic%20biomass.pdf
Effects of hardwood structural and chemical characteristics on enzymatic hydrolysis for biofuel production
This study investigated the influence of various hardwood characteristics on enzymatic hydrolysis. Important hardwood species, including three Eucalyptus species, were comprehensively characterized using quantitative 13C NMR, image analysis and fiber quality analysis. Hydrolysis efficiency from all the hardwoods was correlated to the wood chemical composition and lignin characteristics. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960852412001095
JBEI team develops ionic-liquid-tolerant bacterial cocktail for cost-effective biomass pretreatment for cellulosic biofuels
Researchers from the US Department of Energy (DOE) Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) have developed an ionic liquid (IL)-tolerant bacterial cocktail for the pretreatment of cellulosic biomass at higher temperatures and in the presence of much higher IL concentrations than commercial fungal cocktails. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.greencarcongress.com/2012/06/jbei-20120604.html
Chemical Composition of Wood
This set of class notes explains the chemical makeup of wood as well as general chemical properties Follow this link to learn more: http://www.ipst.gatech.edu/faculty/ragauskas_art/technical_reviews/Chemical%20Overview%20of%20Wood.pdf
Comparative Genomic Analysis of the Thermophilic Biomass-degrading Fungi Myceliophthora thermophila and Thielavia terrestris
The genomes of two cellulase-producing fungi are compared to see if similarities and differences will elucidate enzyme properties that can be used for biofuel pretreatment. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v29/n10/abs/nbt.1976.html
Challenges on the Road to Biofuels
What are some common problems in the lignocellulose-based ethanol production line? This review highlights some of the concerns for present and future technologies. Follow this link to learn more: http://nabc.cals.cornell.edu/pubs/nabc_19/NABC19_5Plenary2_Gibbons.pdf
Water-based Woody Biorefinery
This study discusses the three elements of a wood-based biorefinery, as proposed by the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF): hot-water extraction, hydrolysis, and membrane separation/concentration. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.mendeley.com/research/waterbased-woody-biorefinery/
Acid in Ionic Liquid: An Efficient System for Hydrolysis of Lignocellulose
Research discussing the use of acid in ionic liquid to hydrolyze lignocellulosic materials. Follow this link to learn more: http://pubs.rsc.org/en/Content/ArticleLanding/2008/GC/b711512a
Overcoming Plant Recalcitrance: Supercomputers Tackle Biofuel Production Problems
Plant cell wall recalcitrance is one of the greatest hurdles in biofuel production. SciDAC is utilizing molecular biology and computer modeling to try to figure out how to minimize recalcitrance. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.scidacreview.org/0905/pdf/biofuel.pdf