Enzymatic hydrolysis enhanced by pressure shockwaves opening new possibilities in Jatropha Curcas L. processing

BACKGROUNDLow yields of oil, hazardous organic solvents or demanding supercritical conditions hinder energy utilization of Jatropha Curcas L. RESULTSA new complex procedure for processing the oilseeds is presented. The method consists of deshelling, grinding, shockwave pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, oil expelling, anaerobic fermentation and charcoal production. No additional energy, hazardous solvents or expensive catalysts are needed. CONCLUSIONSThe biotechnological impact of the processes involved was screened at different levels. Mass balances with kinetic data are plotted in detail, allowing further process modeling and technology design as well as determining the optimal operation parameters for further financial judgments. (c) 2013 Society of Chemical Industry