Effect of integrated treatment on enhancing the enzymatic hydrolysis of cocksfoot grass and the structural characteristics of co-produced hemicelluloses

Abstract Background Cocksfoot grass ( Dactylis glomerata L.) with high biomass yield and rich cellulose can be used to produce bioethanol as fuel additive. In view of this, ultrasonic hydrothermal pretreatments followed by successive alkali extractions were assembled into an integrated biorefinery process applied on cocksfoot improve its enzymatic hydrolysis. this work, the effects sequential hydrolysis investigated. addition, since large amount hemicelluloses released during pretreatment extraction process, yields, structural characteristics differentials water- alkali-soluble hemicellulosic fractions isolated from different treatments also comparatively explored. Results The treatment significantly removed amorphous lignin, resulting in increased crystallinity treated residues. A maximum saccharification rate 95.1% was obtained cellulose-rich substrate after treatment. considerable (31.4% water-soluble 53.4% hemicelluloses) found more branched compared all mixed polysaccharides mainly composed xylans β -glucans. Conclusion combination dramatically increase substrates amounts hemicelluloses. Detailed information about rates co-produced will help synergistic utilization hemicellulose grass.