Room Temperature Ionic Liquids as Emerging Solvents for the Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Biomass

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Authors
Mora-Pale, Mauricio
Meli, Luciana
Doherty, Thomas V.
Linhardt, Robert J.
Dordick, Jonathan S.
Issue Date
2011-06-01
Type
Article
Language
ENG
Keywords
Biology , Chemistry and chemical biology , Chemical and biological engineering , Biomedical engineering
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Abstract
Room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) are emerging as attractive and green solvents for lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment. The unique solvating properties of RTILs foster the disruption of the 3D network structure of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, which allows high yields of fermentable sugars to be produced in subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis. In the current review, we summarize the physicochemical properties of RTILs that make them effective solvents for lignocellulose pretreatment including mechanisms of interaction between lignocellulosic biomass subcomponents and RTILs. We also highlight several recent strategies that exploit RTILs and generate high yields of fermentable sugars suitable for downstream biofuel production, and address new opportunities for use of lignocellulosic components, including lignin. Finally, we address some of the challenges that remain before large-scale use of RTILs may be achieved.
Description
Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 108, 1229-1245
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Full Citation
Room Temperature Ionic Liquids as Emerging Solvents for the Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Biomass, M. Mora-Pale, L. Meli, T. V. Doherty, R. J. Linhardt, J. S. Dordick, Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 108, 1229-1245, 2011.
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10970290
63592
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