Enzymatic hydrolysis of pelletized AFEX™-treated corn stover at high solid loadings.

摘要: Ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX™) pretreatment can be performed at small depots, and the pretreated biomass then pelletized shipped to a centralized refinery. To determine feasibility of this approach, AFEX-treated corn stover was hydrolyzed high (18-36%) solid loadings. Water absorption retention by pellets low compared unpelletized stover, which allowed enzymatic hydrolysis slurries remain well mixed without need for fed-batch addition. Glucose yields 68% xylose 65% were obtained with 20 mg enzyme/g glucan 18% loading after 72 h, 61% 59% stover. Pelletization also slightly increased initial rate biomass. The ease mixing suggests that pelletization AFEX could have additional advantages beyond improved logistical handling