Sugarcane Bagasse Fly Ash as a No-Cost Adsorbent for Removal of Phenolic Inhibitors and Improvement of Biomass Saccharification

Abstract

The phenolic compounds generated during the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass have inhibitory effects on the enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation steps in biorefineries employing the biochemical platform. This work proposes the use of sugarcane bagasse fly ash as a no-cost adsorbent for removal of the phenolics generated by the liquid hot water (LHW) pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse. Physical–chemical characterization revealed that the sugarcane bagasse fly ash was mesoporous and possessed a surface charge that promoted the adsorption of monomeric (vanillin) as well as oligomeric (tannic acid) phenolic compounds, under different conditions of pH and temperature. Adsorption isotherms for the fly ash revealed similar maximum capacities for both types of phenolic compound. The potential use of the fly ash as an adsorbent for biomass pretreatment inhibitors was demonstrated by the removal of 80% of the phenolics from the LHW liquor, which resulted in a remarkable 52% increase in the glucose released in the enzymatic hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse. The findings demonstrated that the use of sugarcane bagasse fly ash to remove phenolic compounds could effectively increase the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass, with performance similar to that of commercial activated carbon. In addition, there is no cost for the acquisition of the fly ash, making the process highly economically attractive for implementation in future large-scale biorefineries.

Moving from residual lignocellulosic biomass into high‐value products: Outcomes from a long‐term international cooperation

“…Our research also showed that more than 80% of the proteins in secretomes of T. reesei and A. niger were components other than cellulases, whose role may be important to the hydrolysis of a lignocellulose substrate 30 . These observations, coupled to results showing the addition of BSA, soybean protein (cheaper alternative to the use of BSA) or sugarcane bagasse fly ash improved both enzymatic hydrolysis of LHW pretreated sugarcane bagasse and subsequent production of ethanol, 31,32,52,53 provide important information for development of enzyme formulations that balance cellulolytic and non‐cellulolytic components. For example, the addition of soybean protein to the enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated sugarcane bagasse increased conversion twofold, and hydrolysis under a nitrogen atmosphere minimizes the solid loading effect for corn residues by preventing enzyme deactivation 31,54 …”

“…In countries such as Brazil and the USA, the high availability of soybean makes the possibility of integration between soybean biodiesel and sugarcane biorefineries a highly attractive opportunity to be pursued. Sugarcane bagasse fly‐ash is another potential adsorbent in the biorefinery to remove inhibitors or commercialized as a bio‐based product 52,53 …”

Resistance mechanisms and reprogramming of microorganisms for efficient biorefinery under multiple environmental stresses

“…and the excess lime method, can be used for the treatment of hydrolysate. NH 4 OH can effectively remove furan aldehydes, and excess lime treatment can improve the utilization rate of monosaccharides in the hydrolysate [84]. In addition, the washing of pretreatment raw materials is also a simple detoxification process [85].…”

Biosorption of Bromo-based Dyes from Wastewater Using Low-Cost Adsorbents: A Review

“…This entails researching into the use of agricultural wastes (biomass) for the preparation of adsorbents (biosorbent) especially for the removal of dyes, as well as other pollutants in the wastewater. The agricultural wastes that have been investigated among others include Posidonia oceanica (L.) fibre [9], Orange and Banana Peels [10], Peanut Hull [11], Pumpkin Seed Hull [12], Citrullus lanatus Rind [13], Broad Bean Peel [14], Oil Palm Fiber: Activated Carbon [14], Oil Palm Trunk Fiber [14], Almond Shell [15], Leaf Powder [16], Rice Husk [17], Sawdust [17], Garlic Peel [18], Pine Apple Stem [19], Rice Bran and Wheat Bran [20], Papaya Seeds [21] and Sugarcane Bagasse Fly Ash [22]. Chicken feathers [23], Pomelo Citrus Grandis Peel [24] and groundnut shell [25] are biosorbents used for the removal of other contaminants in wastewater.…”