Optimization of formic/acetic acid delignification of Miscanthus × giganteus for enzymatic hydrolysis using response surface methodology

A Box–Behnken experimental design and response surface methodology were employed to optimize the pretreatment parameters of a formic/acetic acid delignification treatment of Miscanthus × giganteus for enzymatic hydrolysis. The effects of three independent variables, namely cooking time (1, 2 and 3 h), formic acid/acetic acid/water ratio (20/60/20, 30/50/20 and 40/40/20) and temperature (80, 90 and 107 °C) on pulp yield, residual Klason lignin content, concentration of degradation products (furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural) in the black liquor, and enzymatic digestibility of the pulps were investigated. The major parameter influencing was the temperature for pulp yield, delignification degree, furfural production and enzymatic digestibility. According to the response surface analysis the optimum conditions predicted for a maximum enzymatic digestibility of the glucan (75.3%) would be obtained using a cooking time of 3 h, at 107 °C and with a formic acid/acetic acid/water ratio of 40/40/20%. Glucan digestibility was highly dependent on the delignification degree.

► Formic/acetic acid delignification treatment of Miscanthus for enzymatic hydrolysis.
► A Box–Behnken experimental design and response surface methodology to optimize the pretreatment parameters.
► Hemicelluloses and lignin removal increased cellulose digestibility.
► Maximum cellulose digestibility of the pulps (75.3%): temperature: 107 °C; time: 3 h; formic acid/acetic acid/water ratio: 40/40/20%.