Valorization of lignocellulosic residues from the olive oil industry by production of lignin, glucose and functional sugars

Spent olive pomace from the two-phase extraction system of virgin olive oil and olive pomace oil, is a major agro-industrial residue. Present study aimed at the valorization of residual olive pomace and stones (seeds) by hydrothermal treatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of glucans. Both residues contain lignin (31.2% and 42.1%), glucans (13.8% and 15.3%) and xylans (18.9% and 20.3%). After hydrothermal pretreatment (130 degrees C, 30 min; severity factor log R-0 = 2.99), 65% and 75% of hemicelluloses (65% of xylan) were hydrolysed into xylo-oligosaccharides in pomace and stones, respectively. Cellulose and lignin were not substantially affected. Three commercial enzyme preparations, Saczyme Yield, Ultimase BWL 40 and Celluclast 1.5 L, were evaluated for saccharification of pomace or stones at three biomass loads (10, 20 and 30%, w/v). Saczyme and Ultimase were active with high solid loads (30%), reaching 80 and 90% of glucan conversion in pomace, and 40 and 55% in stones, respectively, after 5 h.