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Evaluation of the biocompatibile ionic liquid 1-methyl-3-methylimidazolium dimethylphosphite pretreatment of corn cob for improved saccharification

  • Biotechnological Products and Process Engineering
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Abstract

Ionic liquid (IL) pretreatment of lignocellulose materials is a promising process in biomass conversion to renewable biofuel. More in-depth research involving environment-friendly IL is much needed to explore pretreatment green route. In our case, IL 1-methyl-3-methylimidazolium dimethylphosphite ([Mmim]DMP) was chosen as an environment-friendly solvent to pretreat corn cob in view of its biocompatibility with both lignocellulose solubility and cellulase activity. The pretreatment/saccharification process and in situ saccharification process involving [Mmim]DMP were efficiently performed in bioconversion of corn cob to sugars, and more than 70% saccharification rates were obtained. Furthermore, the fermentability of reducing sugars obtained from the hydrolyzates was evaluated using Rhodococcus opacus strain ACCC41043 (R. opacus). High lipid production 41–43% of cell dry matter was obtained after 30 h of cultivation. GC/MS analysis indicated that lipids from R. opacus contained mainly long-chain fatty acids with four major constituent/oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid which are good candidates for biodiesel. These elucidated that corn cob pretreated by IL [Mmim]DMP did not bring negative effects on saccharification, cell growth, and accumulation of lipid of R. opacus. In conclusion, the IL [Mmim]DMP shows promise as green pretreatment solvent for cellulosic materials.

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Acknowledgements

This work was financially supported by CAS 100 Talents Program (KGCX2-YW-801). We are grateful to Dr. Ling Hua and Bo Li for their kindly donation of cellulase (Genencor).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Biofuel, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China

    Qiang Li, Xinglin Jiang, Yucai He, Liangzhi Li, Mo Xian & Jianming Yang

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  1. Qiang Li
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  2. Xinglin Jiang
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  3. Yucai He
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  4. Liangzhi Li
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  5. Mo Xian
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Correspondence to Mo Xian.

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ESM 1

FTIR spectra of untreated corn cob (a) and [Mmim]DMP-treated corn cob (b). Corn cob sample was prepared at 3% (w/w) of [Mmim]DMP concentration and at 130°C for 20 min (DOC 99 kb)

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Li, Q., Jiang, X., He, Y. et al. Evaluation of the biocompatibile ionic liquid 1-methyl-3-methylimidazolium dimethylphosphite pretreatment of corn cob for improved saccharification. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 87, 117–126 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-010-2484-8

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