Deconstructing lignocellulosic biomass with a two-step method
US8173406B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2009 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 20, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E50/30
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Lignocellulosic biomass is noted for its recalcitrance to deconstruction as a feedstock for biofuel production. A two-step pretreatment method with the aim of enhancing cellulose digestibility, bypassing the traditional severe pretreatment reaction conditions and improving the overall economics of biofuel production is disclosed herein. A 1st pretreatment step is used to partially remove hemicellulose and lignin. A 2nd pretreatment step using electrolyzed water is used to break the crystalline structure and to remove residual hemicellulose and lignin before enzymatic hydrolysis for releasing fermentable sugars. A digestibility of 95% can be achieved by the two-step approach.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.