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/
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/
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
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
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
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