Selective Extraction of L-arabinose from Bagasse Pith with Hot Water Hydrolysis

Bagasse pith was treated with hot water in this study. L-arabinose was selectively hydrolyzed from bagasse pith by controlling hydrolysis temperature, which was favorable for the extraction of the L-arabinose. The effects of different temperature, holding time and liquor ratio on the concentration of L-arabinose, xylose and glucose of the hydrolyzate were discussed. Quantitative analysis of L-arabinose, xylose and glucose was detected by HPLC. The results showed that temperature was the most important factor which affected the composition of hydrolyzate. L-arabinose was distinctly extracted while xylose and glucose were hardly detected at lower temperature (≤140 °C). When the temperature was higher than 160 °C, more xylose was extracted than L-arabinose and glucose. A lower temperature and a longer holding time were favorable for extraction of L-arabinose, and no measurable quantities of xylose and glucose were produced. The yield of L-arabinose reached 1.40% under the optimal conditions of temperature 140̊C, holding time 3 h, liquor ratio 1:10,with xylose and glucose undetected.