FAMU-CMU PREM Peter N. Kalu, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, DMR 0351770

1. FAMU-CMU PREM Peter N. Kalu, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, DMR 0351770 Enzymatic and Multiphase Solution Processing of Lignocellulosic Biomass R. Oyetunji, R. Burnett, J. Collier and S. Ramakrishnan FAMU-FSU College of Engineering The aim of the project is to develop a continuous and environmentally friendly process using twin screw extrusion technology for enzymatic conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to simple sugars and other high value end products. A significant finding of our current research is that commercially available enzymes (cellulases) are active in N-methyl morpholine oxide (NMMO) - a solvent used for dissolving cellulose. Till date, most solvents used for dissolving cellulose (ionic liquids) kill the cellulases. This prevents a continuous process from being developed thus significantly increasing the costs of processing. Our finding will cut down on these costs and help develop a continuous process for biomass conversion. Future work will involve carrying out the enzymatic reactions in the twin screw reactor and developing the continuous process. A B Lignocellulosic Biomass (bagasse) (A) which is to be continuously processed in a twin screw extruder reactor (B) to yield simple sugars and other high value end products. The goal is to carry out this enzymatic processing step directly at the plant site to significantly reduce the cost of transporting the low density biomass.