Developing a fundamental understanding of biomass structural features responsible for enzymatic digestibility

A fundamental features of biomass structures responsible for enzymatic digestibility, are discussed. Several features important in effecting enzymatic digestibility include lignin content, the presence of acetyl groups, cellulose crystallinity, degree of polymerization, surface area volume of cellulose fiber, and partical size. For the research, crystallinity index, lignin content, and acetyl content are investigated as the major factors influencing enzymatic hydrolysis. The analysis is compared with output from mathematical models to determine if there are other structural features that play a major role in the enzymatic hydrolysis of biomass.

Developing a fundamental understanding of biomass structural features responsible for enzymatic digestibility Conference Paper