Evaluation of the glucooligosaccharides production by enzymatic hydrolysis of waste cellulose of the process of hemicellulose extraction from eucalyptus by-product

Abstract

Lignocellulosic materials represent a source of scarce raw material, especially in the area of biorefineries. Its use is mainly based on the generation of energy through oxidation, animal feed, production of charcoal and production of cellulose. However, new applications are emerging and provided a better use of these materials. Lignocellulosic materials contain more than 60% cellulose and hemicellulose, and these fractions contain low energy efficiency and are an alternative for the production of higher added value products. Among many biotechnological applications, hemicellulose and cellulose can be used for the production of xylooligosaccharides (XOS) and glucooligosaccharides (GUS) for therapeutic and analytical purposes. The quest for a healthy lifestyle through caring for food has boosted interest in functional foods. The experimental part of this project will involve the extraction of hemicellulose and obtaining a waste rich in cellulose from a Eucalyptus by-product. The residue will be enzymatically hydrolyzed by commercial cellulases to evaluate the production of GUS (which contains a high added value when compared to cellulose biofuels and electric energy, being an alternative to be investigated inside factories of sugar-alcohol and cellulose pulp.