Total fractionation of green tea residue by microwave-assisted alkaline pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis

► Microwave-assisted alkaline pretreatment solubilized green tea residue by 64-74%. ► The alkali-soluble components showed 20.1 MJ/kg of higher heating value. ► Subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis converted cellulose into glucose. ► Final residue was predominantly constituted by aliphatic cuticular components.