Semi-Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation Improved by Lignin and Extractives Removal from Sugarcane Bagasse

Lignocellulosic biomass and agro-industrial residues are a source of fermentable sugars; however, pretreatments are needed to overcome biomass recalcitrance. This study evaluated the effect of sugarcane bagasse hydrolysis and fermentation in response to dilute acid pretreatment. In natura bagasse, extractive-free bagasse, partially delignified bagasse, and bagasse with added butylated hydroxytoluene antioxidant were pretreated with diluted acid and investigated in semi-simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (S-SSF). The effect of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) resulted in lower yields of inhibitors in the liquid fraction of the acid pretreatment (0.01 g L-1 of furfural, 0.01 g L-1 of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and 0.68 g L-1 of acetic acid). Partially delignified material and material with BHT resulted in biomass with low hemicellulose and lignin contents, indicating that BHT influenced lignin removal. Extractives removal showed benefits for the acid pretreatment, decreasing the dioxane-soluble material, and a higher yield of glucose and ethanol via S-SSF for the partially delignified material. Enzymatic saccharification of partially delignified material showed 87% of cellulose conversion (24 h with 15 FPU/g), and after 48 h of S-SSF (25 FPU/g), residual 7.06 g L-1 of glucose and production of 15.17 g L-1 of ethanol were observed. The low content of extractives, lignin, and dioxane soluble material resulted in better cellulose accessibility and ethanol yield. Chemical compounds can help remove lignin from biomass favoring ethanol production by S-SSF.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the impact of dilute acid pretreatment on the hydrolysis and fermentation of sugarcane bagasse. The addition of an antioxidant resulted in lower levels of inhibitors, and partially delignified material showed improved cellulose solubility and ethanol production.