3.5.4 Saccharification of biomass
High-concentration saccharification was conducted by the batch
method. An example using bagasse as the biomass source is shown in Fig. 3-12.
Low-concentration saccharification was performed by the continuous method, the
volume of biomass being adjusted to between 3 and 6%. A saccharification rate of
90 to 95%, was obtained after 5 to 7 hours of reaction, with only a small amount
of unreacted biomass residue remaining after the reaction. Beech chips treated
by steam explosion (Temp: 220°C2 pressure retention time: 5 min)
were also subjected to the saccharification reaction for 24 hours, resulting in
a saccharification rate of approximately 75 %. Table 3-7 summarizes cellulase
requirements, for the saccharification of biomass, using cellulases prepared in
our laboratory.
Figure 3.22 - Time course of high
titer cellulase production by T. reesei
CDU-11
