A two-step method for activating a cellulosic feedstock is described. The feedstock is subjected to a first high temperature activation step at a temperature greater than 190° C. and a second activation step at a lower temperature under alkali conditions. Also described are methods and compositions for the enzymatic hydrolysis of activated cellulose using one or more cellulase enzymes, a surfactant and polyaspartic acid. Also described are products of the methods.

A two-step method for activating a cellulosic feedstock is described. The feedstock is subjected to a first high temperature activation step at a temperature greater than 190° C. and a second activation step at a lower temperature under alkali conditions. Also described are methods and compositions for the enzymatic hydrolysis of activated cellulose using one or more cellulase enzymes, a surfactant and polyaspartic acid. Also described are products of the methods.

A method of completely dissolving lignocellulosic biomass. The method includes the steps of dissolving a sample of biomass in an aqueous solution of strong acid and an amine-thiol to yield a first solution. A method for measuring lignin concentration in biomass via absorbance of the first solution at a wavelength of about 283 nm by comparing the measured absorbance to a standard curve of absorbance values made from solutions of known lignin concentration.

A homogeneous catalyst is provided comprising one or more metals; and at least two metal coordinating ligands wherein the homogeneous catalyst is a multi-ligand metal complex adapted for use with an oxidant in an oxidation reaction to catalytically pretreat lignocellulosic biomass. In one embodiment, the homogenous catalyst is copper (II) 2, 2′ bipyridine ethylenediamine (Cu(bpy)en). Related methods are also disclosed.

A homogeneous catalyst is provided comprising one or more metals; and at least two metal coordinating ligands wherein the homogeneous catalyst is a multi-ligand metal complex adapted for use with an oxidant in an oxidation reaction to catalytically pretreat lignocellulosic biomass. In one embodiment, the homogenous catalyst is copper (II) 2, 2′ bipyridine ethylenediamine (Cu(bpy)en). Related methods are also disclosed.

Hemicellulase that degrades corn non-starch polysaccharides (“NSP”), DNA encoding the same, and a method of using the hemicellulase and its DNA are provided. Proteins having hemicellulase activity such as Xyn5A, Xyn10B, Xyn11A, Xyn30A, and Xyn43A are described.

Hemicellulase that degrades corn non-starch polysaccharides (“NSP”), DNA encoding the same, and a method of using the hemicellulase and its DNA are provided. Proteins having hemicellulase activity such as Xyn5A, Xyn10B, Xyn11A, Xyn30A, and Xyn43A are described.

The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a fermentation product from lignocellulosic material, comprising the following steps: a) optionally, pre-treatment of the lignocellulosic material, b) optionally, washing of the optionally pretreated lignocellulosic material, c) enzymatic hydrolysis of the optionally washed and/or optionally pretreated lignocellulosic material using an enzyme composition comprising at least two cellulases and whereby the enzyme composition at least comprises LPMO, and optionally purifying the hydrolysed lignocellulosic material, d) fermentation of the hydrolysed lignocellulosic material to produce a fermentation product, and e) optionally, recovery of a fermentation product, wherein oxygen is consumed in amounts corresponding to between 20 and 5000 mmol molecular oxygen per kg glucan present in the lignocellulosic material, the oxygen is added after the pretreatment and before and/or during the enzymatic hydrolysis of the lignocellulosic material, preferably in an amount corresponding to at least 30 mmol molecular oxygen per kg glucan present in the lignocellulosic material, more preferably in an amount corresponding to at least 40 mmol molecular oxygen per kg glucan present in the lignocellulosic material, and most preferably in an amount corresponding to at least 50 mmol molecular oxygen per kg glucan present in the lignocellulosic material is consumed.

The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a fermentation product from lignocellulosic material, comprising the following steps: a) optionally, pre-treatment of the lignocellulosic material, b) optionally, washing of the optionally pretreated lignocellulosic material, c) enzymatic hydrolysis of the optionally washed and/or optionally pretreated lignocellulosic material using an enzyme composition comprising at least two cellulases and whereby the enzyme composition at least comprises LPMO, and optionally purifying the hydrolysed lignocellulosic material, d) fermentation of the hydrolysed lignocellulosic material to produce a fermentation product, and e) optionally, recovery of a fermentation product, wherein oxygen is consumed in amounts corresponding to between 20 and 5000 mmol molecular oxygen per kg glucan present in the lignocellulosic material, the oxygen is added after the pretreatment and before and/or during the enzymatic hydrolysis of the lignocellulosic material, preferably in an amount corresponding to at least 30 mmol molecular oxygen per kg glucan present in the lignocellulosic material, more preferably in an amount corresponding to at least 40 mmol molecular oxygen per kg glucan present in the lignocellulosic material, and most preferably in an amount corresponding to at least 50 mmol molecular oxygen per kg glucan present in the lignocellulosic material is consumed.

A process for preparing alkylene glycol from particulate matter comprising hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin, which process comprises the steps of subjecting a reactor comprising such particulate matter to a two-stage hydrolysis in the presence of hydrochloric acid to hydrolase the hemicellulose and cellulose in the particulate matter to saccharides, followed by subjecting the obtained hydrolysates to a catalytic conversion with hydrogen and in the presence of a catalyst system to a product comprising one or more alkylene glycols.