Lignocellulose Hydrolysis
Lignocellulosic biomass, primarily comprised of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, is an abundant and renewable resource that holds great promise as a source of biofuels and renewable biobased chemicals and biomaterials. Lignocellulosic biomass can be processed in a number of ways, one is through the hydrolysis of the structural polysaccharides (cellulose and hemicellulose) into their constituent sugars, a reaction commonly facilitated by acid or enzymes, followed by the fermentation of these sugars by yeast or other microorganisms.Enzymatic Hydrolysis
In enzymatic hydrolysis cellulases and hemicellulases play a critical role, working synergistically to cleave the glycosidic linkages in cellulose and hemicellulose, respectively. However, depending on the type of pretreatment process involved, hydrolysis of hemicellulose may not be necessary, since it may have already taken place in the pretreatment leading to the hemicellulose sugars being in the liquid output of the pretreatment with the solid residue mostly containing cellulose (plus lignin, again dependent on the type of pretreatment).SSF Process and its Advantages
Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF) is a process for the production of sugar-derived products (such as bioethanol) from lignocellulosic biomass. The process involves the concurrent breakdown (hydrolysis) of cellulose (and hemicellulose, if present) into monomeric sugars (saccharification), and the conversion of these sugars into products via fermentation. This process is distinct from the Separate Hydrolysis and Fermentation (SHF) method, in which saccharification and fermentation occur in separate stages.Disadvantages of SSF
Fed-Batch SSF
Fed-batch Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF) is a modification of the traditional SSF process which can, in certain circumstances, improve process efficiencies. In the traditional SSF process, all the components – the lignocellulosic biomass, enzymes, and yeast – are mixed together at the beginning of the process. However, in fed-batch SSF these components are not all added at once. Instead, the lignocellulosic biomass is added in incremental portions or "batches" to the fermenter over the course of the fermentation. By gradually feeding the biomass into the fermenter, it is possible to maintain a more consistent level of sugars throughout the process, which can help to optimize yeast activity and product yields. In addition, this approach can help to alleviate issues related to high solid loading, such as mixing problems and high viscosity.Separate Hydrolysis & Fermentation (SHF)
Separate Hydrolysis and Fermentation (SHF) involves separate stages of enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation, occuring in separate reactors.Consolidated Bioprocessing (CBP)
Like SSF, in Consolidated Bioprocessing (CBP) the hydrolysis, and fermentation steps occur in the same reactor. However, unlike SSF, in CBP the production of enzymes also takes place in the same reactor. CBP has the potential to significantly reduce costs and simplify the biofuel production process. However, the implementation of CBP is currently challenging because it requires a single microorganism, or a consortium of microorganisms, that can efficiently perform all the required functions.1. Understanding Your Requirements
2. Detailed Feedstock Analysis
3. Pretreatment (Lab-Scale)
4. SSF Optimisation
5. Product Recovery
6. Valorisation of Remaining Biomass
7. Validation at Higher TRLs
8. Technoeconomic Analysis (TEA)
PhD
Has a deep understanding of all biological and chemical aspects of bioproceses. Has developed Celignis into a renowned provider of bioprocess development services to a global network of clients.
PhD
A dynamic, purpose-driven chemical engineer with expertise in bioprocess development, process design, simulation and techno-economic analysis over several years in the bioeconomy sector.
PhD (Analytical Chemistry)
Dreamer and achiever. Took Celignis from a concept in a research project to being the bioeconomy's premier provider of analytical and bioprocessing expertise.