Detoxification of dilute ammonia pretreated energy cane bagasse enzymatic hydrolysate by soluble polyelectrolyte flocculants

This study investigated the detoxification of dilute ammonia pretreated energy cane bagasse enzymatic hydrolysate using polyelectrolyte flocculants. Non-sugar compounds such as formic acid, acetic acid, levulinic acid, furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), and phenolic compounds can be generated during pretreatment, which have negative effects on downstream processes. Flocculation was carried out to remove these non-sugar compounds while retaining the fermentable sugars. The flocculants polyethylenimine (PEI) and poly-diallyldimethylammonium chloride (pDADMAC) were used and parameters including flocculant dose and hydrolysate pH were evaluated. The recyclability of PEI and recovery of non-sugar compounds were also assessed. Optimum conditions for both PEI and pDADMAC were 15 g/L dose at unadjusted pH 4.5. At these conditions, PEI outperformed pDADMAC by having greater adsorption efficiencies towards non-sugar compounds with minimal sugar losses. PEI removed 43% organic acids, 73% total phenolic compounds and 100% furans with less than 10% total fermentable sugar losses. However, after two cycles, only 20% of the adsorbed organic acids and total phenolic compounds, and 80% of the furans were recovered. Sugar losses of less than 10% were observed throughout the recycling process. PEI can significantly remove the non-sugar compounds from dilute ammonia pretreated energy cane bagasse enzymatic hydrolysate with minimum sugar losses. However, recycling of PEI and recovery of adsorbed non-sugar compounds are not recommended for more than two cycles.