Sugar production by enzymatic hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse

• Grant number: 07/51656-2
• Support Opportunities: Program for Research on Bioenergy (BIOEN) - Research Partnership for Technological Innovation (PITE)
• Start date: October 01, 2008
• End date: July 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering
• Agreement: Oxiteno
• Principal Investigator: Alfredo Eduardo Maiorano
• Grantee: Alfredo Eduardo Maiorano
• Host Institution: Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas S/A (IPT). Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Econômico (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Company: Oxiteno S/A Indústria e Comércio
• City: São Paulo

Abstract

The modern chemical industry obtains more than 90% of the raw material for synthesis of organic molecules from oil. The rise in oil prices and the concerns and pressures of society to climatic changes, presenting challenges that this industry needs to overcome in the near future. The most viable alternative at this moment is the use of renewable raw material, such as lignocellulosic biomass available in the agricultural waste. The use of renewable resources represents an important development activity in emerging countries. However, these resources, natural and with high energy potential, are not properly exploited as a source of energy and raw materials for the chemical industry. The most important agricultural residues in the national territory, sugarcane bagasse certainly occupies a position of great prominence. Domestic production of sugarcane in 2009 reached about 569 million tons, destinated to the production of sugar and alcohol. It implies the recognition that the annual production of sugarcane bagasse reaches several huge numbers and the use of this waste is a national need. Therefore, the conversion of the cellulosic component of sugarcane bagasse into sugars, for them to be used as a source of raw material for the chemical industry is of great economic interest. In this sense, this project approaches the development of technology for the conversion of lignocellulosic fraction of sugarcane bagasse in a broth rich in sugars, which will serve as substrates for the production of specialty chemicals. (AU)