Sunday, May 4, 2008
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Microscopic investigation of enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated wheat straw

Jan Bach Kristensen, Henning Jørgensen, and Claus Felby. Forest and Landscape Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, DK-1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark

Recalcitrance of lignocellulosics to enzymatic hydrolysis is a well-described challenge in the production of bioethanol. A better understanding of which parts of the cell wall are exposed to hydrolysis and whether the recalcitrance is possibly due to inefficiencies of the enzymes used is important in overcoming this challenge. We have used atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the effect of various enzyme preparations in the partial hydrolysis of pretreated wheat straw with respect to sugar production and physical changes. When subjected to partial hydrolysis, no apparent opening of the cell wall structures was seen. When hydrolysed more thoroughly, some disruptions and openings could be identified but large areas still seemed untouched.

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