Optimization of biomass saccharification processes with experimental design tools for 2G ethanol production: a review

Abstract

AbstractThe current energy scenario has encouraged the replacement of carbon sources with renewable sources. Second‐generation (2G) ethanol production from lignocellulosic material or agroindustrial biomass involves a three‐step process consisting of pretreatment, saccharification and fermentation. Enzymatic saccharification is the most critical step for recovering fermentable sugars from biomass. Many factors such as pretreatment, enzyme load, pH, temperature, substrate and surfactant concentrations, and reaction time, among others, can affect biomass saccharification. In this sense, different design of experiment (DoE) tools together with response surface methodology (RSM) have been used as a viable strategy to determine how factors influence saccharification and to optimize this process. The strategy involves fewer experiments, less time and lower cost. This review summarizes how DoE and RSM tools have been used to optimize biomass saccharification. Moreover, an overview of the main experimental design tools used in this field is provided.