MATERIALS AND METHODS FOR CONVERTING BIOMASS TO BIOFUEL

摘要

This disclosure provides for materials and methods for converting biomass to biofuels. The materials include a colloid mill with or without cellulase enzymes, and the methods include the use of a colloid mill and optionally cellulose enzymes to pretreat biomass for use in a biomass to biofuel production process.

主权项

1. A method of treating a biomass/water mixture comprising cellulose and starch, comprising:
a) contacting the biomass/water mixture to at least one amylase to hydrolyze starch contained in the biomass; b) milling the biomass/water mixture with a high shear milling/mixing device comprising a rotor and a stator to produce milled biomass, thereby reducing the size of biomass particles in the biomass/water mixture compared to pretreatment of the biomass with a hammer mill alone, c) following the contacting and milling, adjusting the temperature of the amylase-treated milled biomass to a temperature suitable for fermentation; and d) fermenting the amylase-treated milled biomass in the presence of at least one cellulase that hydrolyzes the cellulose contained in the biomass to sugar.