Optimizing ammonia processing conditions to enhance susceptibility of legumes to fiber hydrolysis: alfalfa.
An ammonia process was applied at several ammonia loadings, moisture contents, temperatures, and dwell times. A cellulase loading of 5 FPU/g dry matter and a 24 h incubation time were used to produce the sugars, which were measured as reducing sugars and by HPLC. Optimal processing conditions caused a 76% of theoretical yield (2.9-fold above untreated). Cellulose and hemicellulose conversions were 68 and 85% (vs 38 and 34% in untreated, respectively). The short hydrolysis time and relatively low enzyme loading suggests great potential to produce sugars from alfalfa.
Ferrer
A
A
Department of Chemistry, Science Faculty, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela. aferrer1@cantv.net
Byers
F M
FM
Sulbarán-de-Ferrer
B
B
Dale
B E
BE
Aiello
C
C
D000641:Ammonia; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods; D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000032:analysis*; D002482:Cellulose / Q000032:analysis; D007887:Fabaceae / Q000737:chemistry; D006868:Hydrolysis; D007700:Kinetics; D008031:Lignin / Q000032:analysis; D000455:Medicago sativa / Q000737:chemistry*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000032:analysis
D002241:Carbohydrates; D011134:Polysaccharides; D000641:Ammonia; C007916:hemicellulose; D002482:Cellulose; D008031:Lignin