Synthesis of Recyclable UCST-Type Copolymer PPSP and Its Application in Enhancing Lignocellulosic Enzymatic Hydrolysis and Recycling Cellulase

Abstract

The cost of lignocellulosic enzymatic hydrolysis can be reduced by adding additives with upper critical solution temperature (UCST) response. A recyclable UCST-type copolymer PPSP was synthesized, for enhancing lignocellulosic enzymatic hydrolysis and the cellulase recovery effect of substrate reabsorption. For the hydrolysis system of corncob residue without adding PPSP, only 50% of cellulase amount was saved at a room temperature of 25 °C by adding the fresh corncob residue. The substrate enzymatic digestion efficiency for 72 h was increased by 1.3 times with only adding 0.5 g/L PPSP 10 -3. After the hydrolysis, 70% of cellulase amount was saved at 25 °C by using the above method. Both lignocellulosic hydrolysis and recovery of cellulase performances were improved by adding PPSP. This may be attributed to the fact that PPSP preferentially adsorbed on lignin to form a hydration membrane to reduce the no-productive adsorption of cellulase and enhanced lignocellulosic enzymatic hydrolysis, while increasing the concentration of free cellulase in the system and strengthening recovery of cellulase. This work will provide one way to reduce the cost of lignocellulosic enzymatic hydrolysis.

Copolymer with Tunable Cation Content as an Efficient Promoter in Enzymatic Saccharification of Lignocellulose

“…Nowadays, characterized by the recognition of the escalating energy demands, the focus has invariably shifted toward biofuel production through biomass bioconversion, owing to its immense potential to serve as a substitute for fossil-derived fuels . There are four steps in total to produce biofuel from lignocellulosic biomass: pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation, and product purification. , Yet, it is in the enzymatic saccharification step that a significant hurdle arisesirreversible adsorption of cellulase onto residual lignin within lignocellulosic substrates exerts a substantial impediment on the efficient conversion of biomass into fermentable sugars . As a result, the attainment of a satisfactory conversion yield necessitates elevated enzyme dosages, thereby accentuating the cost implications associated with biofuel production.…”