Case StudyMulti-step approach to add value to corncob: Production of biomass-degrading enzymes, lignin and fermentable sugars

•LHW-pretreatment of corncob released high amount of XOS derived from hemicellulose.•Hydrolysates and pretreated solids were efficient on production of biomass degrading enzymes.•Lignin recovered from enzymatic hydrolysis showed antioxidant activity.•Saccharification of the pretreated solids achieved 100% glucose equivalent yield.

This work presents an integrated and multi-step approach for the recovery and/or application of the lignocellulosic fractions from corncob in the production of high value added compounds as xylo-oligosaccharides, enzymes, fermentable sugars, and lignin in terms of biorefinery concept. For that, liquid hot water followed by enzymatic hydrolysis were used. Liquid hot water was performed using different residence times (10-50 min) and holding temperature (180-200 °C), corresponding to severities (log(R0)) of 3.36-4.64. The most severe conditions showed higher xylo-oligosaccharides extraction (maximum of 93%) into the hydrolysates and higher recovery of cellulose on pretreated solids (maximum of 65%). Subsequently, hydrolysates and solids were used in the production of xylanases and cellulases, respectively, as well as, pretreated solids were also subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis for the recovery of lignin and fermentable sugars from cellulose. Maximum glucose yield (100%) was achieved for solids pretreated at log(R0) of 4.42 and 5% solid loading.