Characterization of Blue Agave Bagasse (BAB) as Raw Material for Bioethanol Production Processes by Gravimetric, Thermal, Chromatographic, X-ray Diffraction, Microscopy, and Laser Light Scattering Techniques

Abstract

A detailed characterization of the main types of blue agave bagasse (BAB) obtained from the four largest tequila factories in the State of Jalisco (Mexico) is presented here. After milling/sieving the agave bagasses, two particle size fractions were identified, one rich in fibers and the other consisting of dust/fine particles. Both fractions were analyzed to determine the content of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, organic-soluble compounds, absorbed remaining sugars, minerals, and organic matter. After detailed analyses of both fractions by wet, thermal (thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA)/differential thermo-gravimetric analysis (DTA)), and other methods (high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), microscopy, particle size by laser diffraction light scattering, and crystallinity by X-ray diffraction), a moderate-to-intensive method was devised for further processing the fibrous fraction, which had a high crystalline cellulose content, as well as for its subsequent enzymatic saccharification under welldefined moderate conditions. Alternative processing options were also devised for the dust/fine particle fraction, which has a moderate crystalline cellulose that is rich in adsorbed sugars and that has a high mineral matter content.

An Experimental and Modeling Study on the Pretreatment and Alkaline Hydrolysis of Blue Agave Bagasse in Twin-Screw Extruders

“…It is useful for the determination of energy content of biomasses and economic analyses, which may aid in determining the efficient use of feedstocks. − The HHV for BAB is ∼18 MJ kg –1 , which is similar to dry wood . In a previous contribution from our group we extensively characterized BAB and found that its content of lignin, hemicelluloses, and cellulose are 18.4, 17, and 38.9 wt %, respectively. , These composition results agree well with other results reported in the literature: 16–21 wt % lignin, 17–20 wt % hemicellulose, and 30–35 wt % cellulose…”

Modeling of Pretreatment and Combined Alkaline and Enzymatic Hydrolyses of Blue Agave Bagasse in Corotating Twin‐Screw Extruders

“…Other experimentally‐guided studies from our group aimed at producing improved saccharification yields have been reported elsewhere. [ 37,40,49,86 ]…”

“…Other experimentally-guided studies from our group aimed at producing improved saccharification yields have been reported elsewhere. [37,40,49,86] The different zones and the relationships among length, number of elements, and residence time are shown in Figure 3. As expected, these relationships are linear.…”

“…[45][46][47][48] For these reasons, BAB has been targeted as a feedstock in the production of biobased added-value materials and biofuels, such as bioethanol. We have extensively characterized BAB, [49] ratifying its potential as an important biobased feedstock in the development of modern biorefining processes.…”

Bioenergy Potential, Energy Crops, and Biofuel Production in Mexico

“…Hernández-Meléndez et al [15] describe the characterization of different types of blue agave bagasse from large-scale processing in the tequila industry. This biomass was pretreated using an alkaline extrusion process and subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis under moderate conditions.…”