12-12: Rapid Conversion Analysis of Switchgrass Feedstocks using NIR Spectroscopy

The ability to obtain an accurate assessment of convertibility of switchgrass feedstocks using rapid and inexpensive methods is a key element in the development of dedicated bioenergy crops with enhanced characteristics for biofuels production, such as high ethanol yields and lower cost of conversion.  This poster describes the development and use of rapid analysis methods for conversion characteristics of switchgrass feedstocks.  These techniques combine Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and Projection to Latent Structures (PLS) multivariate analysis in methods inexpensive enough to allow the conversion analysis of hundreds of samples per day, while maintaining the precision and accuracy of the wet chemical methods used to calibrate the NIR method.  NIR methods for both acidic and basic thermochemical pretreatment methods have been employed.  Exploration of the conversion characteristics of switchgrass samples allows Ceres to provide critical information to farmers, enzyme manufacturers, and biomass processors to guide our collective thinking in the development of this new industry.