Journal of Microbial & Biochemical Technology

Abstract

Screw Extrusion Pretreatments to Enhance the Hydrolysis of Lignocellulosic Biomass

Zengxiang Lin, Li Liu, Rongxiu Li and Jiping Shi

The conversion of biomass to biofuels begins with biomass pretreatment. Most traditional pretreatment methods are chemical or physical. Each method has a specific effect on cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin fractions. The main goal of pretreatment is to remove or weaken the tight linkages among cell wall components, thus increasing enzyme accessibility and improving the hydrolysis of cellulose. In recent studies, the use of the extrusion process has been described as a new, potentially viable development in the pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials and the hydrolysis of cellulose. The hypothesis is that extruder screw speed and barrel temperature may disturb biomass structure, thereby increasing accessibility of cellulose for hydrolysis. This manuscript aims to provide an overview of the major representative progress and development on the use of the extrusion process for biomass pretreatment and cellulose hydrolysis. Extrusion can be used as a physical pretreatment method in biofuel production.