Intensification of the softwood-to-ethanol processes – design of efficient enzymatic hydrolysis combined with mild steam pretreatment
Research Project, 2020
– 2023
Exploitation of softwood for bioethanol production is currently inefficient due to its recalcitrance that necessitates harsh pretreatment conditions. This results in degradation of hemicellulose to inhibitory compounds and reduced process yields. Here we target to simultaneously optimize steam-pretreatment (STEX) and enzymatic hydrolysis. The STEX severity will be reduced to retain hemicelluloses in the solids, but maintaining minimal enzyme accessibility, analyzed by advanced imaging techniques. To overcome increased substrate recalcitrance, caused by the formation of lignin-carbohydrate (LC) linkages, we will identify and characterize accessory enzymes (glucoronoyl esterases, glucoronidases, etherases, and LPMOs) that can degrade LC and other bonds contributing to recalcitrance. By tailoring specific enzyme cocktails and establishing advanced designs of enzymatic hydrolysis, this project will contribute to the intensification of the softwood-to-ethanol processes
Participants
Lisbeth Olsson (contact)
Chalmers, Life Sciences, Industrial Biotechnology
Fabio Caputo
Chalmers, Life Sciences, Industrial Biotechnology
Vera Novy
Chalmers, Life Sciences, Industrial Biotechnology
Collaborations
Lund University
Lund, Sweden
Funding
Swedish Energy Agency
Project ID: 49703-1
Funding Chalmers participation during 2020–2023
Related Areas of Advance and Infrastructure
Sustainable development
Driving Forces
Energy
Areas of Advance