Valorization of sugarcane bagasse through biofuel and value-added soluble metabolites production: Optimization of alkaline hydrothermal pretreatment

Author(s)

Soares, Lais A. ; Solano, Magnolia G. ; Lindeboom, Ralph E. F. ; Lier, Jules B. van ; Silva, Edson L. ; Varesche, Maria B. A.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BIOMASS & BIOENERGY; v. 165, p. 7-pg., 2022-08-26.

Abstract

Sugarcane bagasse (SCB) is increasingly considered as a potential source for bioenergy or bulk chemicals pro-duction. However, efficient pretreatment techniques need to be developed to make full use of its potential. A central composite design was employed to evaluate the effect of temperature (146.4-213.6 C), NaOH con-centration (0.7-2.3 M) and treatment time (3.2-36.8 min) on the hydrothermal pretreatment of SCB. Glucose was the abundant fermentable sugar released in the hydrolysate (4.0 g/L) and its concentration was significantly (p-value < 0.05) affected by temperature and NaOH concentration. Sugars released in the hydrolysate and the remaining cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin in the pretreated fiber were anaerobically co-digested in batch thermophilic assays (55 C). Propionate, one of the most promising platform chemicals, was the main metabolite produced (0.5 g/L) and its concentration was significantly affected by temperature and NaOH concentration. Both NaOH concentration and pretreatment duration significantly affected methane composition in the biogas (p-value < 0.05 and 0,10 respectively). Defluviitoga, and Methanothermobacter genera were favored in response to alkaline hydrothermal pretreatment at the central point conditions (180 C, 1.5 M NaOH, 20 min). (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/25748-1 - Hydrothermal, solar and laser pretreatments techniques and high pressure digestion to enhance sugarcane bagasse bioconversion and high-value chemicals recovery
• Grantee: Laís Américo Soares
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 17/07194-6 - INTEGRATED ANALYSIS FOR DEGRADATION OF SUGARCANE BAGASSE AND PENTOSE LIQUOR IN A COMPARTMENTALIZED THERMOPHILIC ANAEROBIC FIXED-BED REACTOR
• Grantee: Laís Américo Soares
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 15/06246-7 - Biorefinery concept applied to biological wastewater treatment plants: environmental pollution control coupled with material and energy recovery
• Grantee: Marcelo Zaiat
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants