Processes And Systems For Enzymatically Isolating Lignin And Other Bioproducts From Herbaceous Plants
First Claim
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1. A method for isolating components of lignocellulosic material comprising:
- comminuting lignocellulosic material to form comminuted lignocellulosic material;
enzymatically digesting a mixture comprising the comminuted lignocellulosic material, at least one blend of enzymes, and aqueous solution in the absence of any prior non-enzymatic lignin separation from the lignocellulosic material, for enzymatic hydrolysis liberating at least one C6 and/or C5 sugar from an insoluble portion of the lignocellulosic material comprising lignin; and
separating at least a portion of the aqueous solution containing the at least one C6 and/or C5 sugar from the insoluble portion comprising lignin.
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Abstract
Methods for enzymatically isolating lignin and other bioproducts, such as fermentable sugars, from herbaceous plant materials, are described. The methods can provide improvements, such as increased product purity and reduced process energy requirements and product modifications and contamination. Systems for practicing the methods also are provided.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. A method for isolating components of lignocellulosic material comprising:
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comminuting lignocellulosic material to form comminuted lignocellulosic material; enzymatically digesting a mixture comprising the comminuted lignocellulosic material, at least one blend of enzymes, and aqueous solution in the absence of any prior non-enzymatic lignin separation from the lignocellulosic material, for enzymatic hydrolysis liberating at least one C6 and/or C5 sugar from an insoluble portion of the lignocellulosic material comprising lignin; and separating at least a portion of the aqueous solution containing the at least one C6 and/or C5 sugar from the insoluble portion comprising lignin. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for isolating components of lignocellulosic material comprising:
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a) comminuting lignocellulosic material to a comminuted lignocellulosic material; b) enzymatically digesting a first mixture comprising the comminuted lignocellulosic material, a first enzyme blend, and a first aqueous solution in the absence of any prior non-enzymatic lignin separation treatment of the lignocellulosic material, for a first enzymatic hydrolysis liberating at least one C6 and/or C5 sugar from a first insoluble portion of the lignocellulosic material comprising lignin; c) separating at least a portion of the first aqueous solution containing the at least one C6 and/or C5 sugar from the first insoluble portion; d) comminuting the first insoluble portion to a comminuted first insoluble portion; e) enzymatically digesting a second mixture comprising the comminuted first insoluble portion, a second enzyme blend, and a second aqueous solution, for a second enzymatic hydrolysis liberating at least one C6 and/or C5 sugar from a second insoluble portion comprising lignin; and f) separating the second insoluble portion comprising lignin from the second aqueous solution comprising the at least one C6 and/or C5 sugar. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A system for isolating components of lignocellulosic material comprising:
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at least one comminutor for comminuting lignocellulosic material; at least one digestor comprising a vessel equipped with an internal agitator, wherein the vessel is operable for holding a mixture of the comminuted lignocellulosic material, at least one enzyme blend, and aqueous solution in the absence of any prior non-enzymatic lignin separation treatment of the lignocellulosic material, and operable for enzymatically digesting the mixture with agitation for enzymatic hydrolysis liberating at least one C6 and/or C5 sugar from an insoluble portion of the lignocellulosic material comprising lignin; and a separator for separating at least a portion of the aqueous solution containing the at least one sugar from the insoluble portion comprising lignin. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28)
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Specification