Use of an algal hydrolysate to improve enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulose

Abstract

This study investigated the use of acid hydrolyzed algae to enhance the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass. The farm-waste grown algal samples were first characterized, and the optimal conditions for algal hydrolysis using dilute sulfuric acid were determined. Neutralized algal hydrolysate was then tested as a reaction medium (replacing the pH buffer solution) for the enzymatic hydrolysis of a lignocellulose, alkali treated anaerobically-digested fiber. Our results showed that net glucose yields from enzymatic hydrolyses containing undiluted algal hydrolysate were at least 65% higher than net glucose yields from control media (bovine serum albumin solution, citrate buffer or distilled water). It is likely that the increase in net glucose yield is due, in part, to the binding of hydrolyzed algal proteins to lignin, which protects cellulase from binding to lignin. This study demonstrates a potential approach of using wastewater-grown algae as a co-substrate to significantly enhance the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic materials.