Efficient Hydrolysis of Lignocellulose by Acidic Ionic Liquids under Low-Toxic Condition to Microorganisms

Lignocellulose is known as a renewable resource, and acidic ionic liquids have been highlighted as efficient catalysts for hydrolysis of cellulose. To achieve successive hydrolysis and fermentation, efficient hydrolysis with sufficiently diluted acidic ionic liquids is necessary because acidic ionic liquids are toxic to fermentative microorganisms. Escherichia coli was confirmed to grow in 0.05 M dilute acidic ionic liquid—1-(1-butylsulfonic)-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ([Sbmim][HSO4])—although the growth was suppressed in more concentrated solutions. Therefore, we applied the 0.05 M [Sbmim][HSO4] solution to hydrolysis of bagasse, leading to a glucose yield of 48% at 190 ◦C. This value is greater than that obtained with a concentrated [Sbmim][HSO4] solution, which is not suitable for the growth of Escherichia coli (yield: 40% in a 1.0 M solution). Efficient hydrolysis with acidic ionic liquids under low-toxic condition was achieved.