Production of xylooligosaccharides by autohydrolysis of lignocellulosic materials

The composition of xylan-containing raw materials (Eucalyptus globulus wood, corn cobs, rice husks and barley husks) has been determined, and substituted xylooligosaccharides (SXO) have been produced by reacting them with water (autohydrolysis reaction) under optimal conditions deduced from reported kinetic models. The composition of autohydrolysis liquors (defined by their contents of xylooligosaccharides, other sugar oligomers, monosaccharides, acetyl and uronic acid substituents of oligomers, free acetic acid, furfural, Folin-Denis phenols and other compounds) has been determined. The suitability of autohydrolysis reaction products for the manufacture of food ingredients is discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.