Adsorption studies of inhibitory compounds from the hemicellulosic hydrolysate of agave leaf residue for xylitol and arabitol production

• Grant number: 25/11055-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2025
• End date: November 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology - Food Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Marcus Bruno Soares Forte
• Grantee: Maria Fernanda Melchert Rebello
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia de Alimentos (FEA). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The production of fiber threads from the leaves of Agave sisalana, known as sisal, generates tons of residue annually, which are mostly left in open fields and can cause various environmental impacts. Due to its hemicellulose content (~18%), this residue produced during agave fiber extraction can be used for the production of polyols, such as xylitol and arabitol. This biotechnological process offers an alternative to mitigate environmental impact while adding value to the residue, given the wide range of applications of these products, the most well-known being their use as sweeteners.However, before polyols can be obtained through fermentation, the biomass must undergo a pretreatment to release the sugars. During this process, various inhibitory compounds that would impair the fermentative activity of microorganisms are inevitably released or generated, making it necessary to perform a detoxification step on the hydrolysate.The present study aims to optimize the detoxification of the hemicellulosic hydrolysate of Agave sisalana leaves, conditioning it for fermentation. Four different adsorbents (two activated carbons and two resins) will be evaluated to identify an adsorbent capable of removing the highest amount of inhibitors while minimizing sugar loss. Adsorption studies will be conducted with the selected adsorbent at different temperatures, and mathematical models will be applied to understand the phenomenon. Process validation will be performed through fermentation of both detoxified and non-detoxified hydrolysates using a strain of Rhodosporidium toruloides (UFMG-CM-7226), capable of producing xylitol and arabitol. (AU)