Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 11
Research Methods for the Biotechnology
of Lignocellulose
Abstract
Biotechnology for lignocellulose conversion is developed with its
research and application. During this process, the research method plays an
important role in discovering, exploring, and establishing theories. The research
method for lignocellulose conversion is also necessary for industrialization
testing and control. In this chapter, research methods for the biotechnology of
lignocellulose are presented. According to the biological conversion process of
lignocelluloses, research methods are classified into three types: research methods
for primary refining, research methods for hydrolysis with microorganisms, and
research methods for fermentation engineering. Finally, research methods for the
whole biotransformation process are also summarized. In each part, the related
research advances of my group are also given.
Keywords
Research methods • Biochemical methods • Fermentation engineering
methods • Primary refining methods • Life cycle assessment
11.1
Research Methods for the Cellulose Primary Refining
Process
11.1.1
Introduction
Cellulose materials should be converted into middle products first and then
converted into final bioenergy and biomaterials. However, for cellulose materials,
the compact structure formed by cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin results in high
energy cost while converting cellulose materials into sugar. Moreover, it is hard
to fulfill the requirements of further conversion into bioenergy and biomaterials.
Therefore, it would be important to research the changes of lignocellulosic materials
in the process of primary conversion and the effect of different methods on these
