Switchgrass storage effects on the recovery of carbohydrates after liquid hot water pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis

Authors

Noaa Frederick, University of Arkansas
Mengxing Li, Oklahoma State University
Danielle Julie Carrier, University of Arkansas
Michael D. Buser, Oklahoma State University
Mark R. Wilkins, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2016

Citation

AIMS Bioengineering, 3(3): 389-399

Comments

© 2016 Mark R. Wilkins, et al.

Open access

AIMS Bioengineering, 3(3): 389-399

Abstract

Perennial grasses that would be used for bioenergy and bioproducts production will need to be stored for various periods of time to ensure a continual feedstock supply to a bioprocessing facility. The effects of storage practices on grass composition and the response of grasses to subsequent bioprocesses such as pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis needs to be understood to develop the most efficient storage protocols. This study examined the effect of outdoor storage of round switchgrass bales on composition before and after liquid hot water pretreatment (LHW) and enzymatic hydrolysis. This study also examined the effect of washing LHW pretreated biomass prior to enzymatic hydrolysis. It was determined that switchgrass composition after baling was stable. As expected, glucan and lignin contents increased after LHW due to decreases in xylan and galactan. Washing biomass prior to enzymatic hydrolysis reduced saccharification, especially in samples from the interior of the bale, by at least 5%.