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
Category: Pretreatment
pretreatment webpage
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
Biological Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Substrates for Enhanced Delignification and Enzymatic Digestibility
This research article tests the Actinomycete Streptomyces griseus for its ability to digest lignin as a way to pretreat linogellulosic feedstocks for biofuel production. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.springerlink.com/content/u35t12552ru05426/
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
Teaching a microbe to make fuel
A genetically modified organism could turn carbon dioxide or waste products into a gasoline-compatible transportation fuel. Follow this link to learn more: http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2012/genetically-modified-organism-can-turn-carbon-dioxide-into-fuel-0821.html
Tracking dynamics of Plant Biomass Composting by Changes in Substrate Structure, Microbial Community, and Enzyme Activity
How easy is it to break down plant cells? This research tests various environmental conditions to find out how to break down cellulose and lignin efficiently. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/content/5/1/20
“Genome, Transcriptome, and Secretome Analysis of Wood Decay Fungus Postia placenta Supports Unique Mechanisms of Lignocellulose Conversion
Research on brown-rot fungus to determine potential catalysts for lignin depolymerization. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.pnas.org/content/106/6/1954.short
First Wood-Digesting Enzyme Found in Bacteria Could Boost Biofuel Production
The first bacteria-produced lignin-degrading enzyme has been isolated from a soil bacterium that is related to plant pathogens. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110609112905.htm
Mutated plants may be better for biofuels
Mutations in cell walls may lead to reduced cellulose recalcitrance. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120228152158.htm