LIGNOCELLULOSE OF GRASSES: POTENTIAL FOR BIOGENERY AND CO-PRODUCTS

Authors: Akin, Danny; Morrison Iii, Wiley; Anderson, William - Bill

Submitted to: American Chemical Society National Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/30/2004
Publication Date: 3/28/2004
Citation: AKIN, D.E., MORRISON III, W.H., ANDERSON, W.F. 2004. Lignocellulose of grasses: potential for biogenery and co-products [abstract]. 227TH American Chemical Society National Meeting. ABSTRACT No. 144.

Interpretive Summary: This is an abstract only. An interpretative summary is not required.

Technical Abstract: Lignocelluloses of grasses are potential sources of biofuel to expand the bioethanol industry based on corn grain. Crop yield and biomass are high for grasses, thus offering potential substrate for fermentation. Cell wall aromatics in grass lignocelluloses, however, impede biodegradation by cellulases and other cell-wall degrading enzymes. These aromatics are diverse, existing as recalcitrant lignins of various types and also as low molecular weight aromatics linked to carbohydrates. In many warm-season grasses, e.g., bermudagrass, high levels of ferulic and p-coumaric acids are esterified to hemicellulosic sugars within cell walls. In particular cell types, these structures appear to be the main limitation to carbohydrate utilization. Research has been carried out to assess the type and location of low molecular weight aromatics in bermudagrass cultivars. Further, ferulic acid esterase has been employed to remove phenolic acids from grass lignocellulose to improve fermentation of grass fiber and provide potential aromatic co-products.