Optimization of Conditions for Hydrothermal Dissolution of Cellulose

Cellulose is a key material for the production of ethanol, which can be used for internal combustion. However, cellulose contains rigid crystalline regions that are not readily hydrolysable by cellulase, so methods for increasing the accessibility of cellulase to cellulose are needed. Our research aim involves high speed production of glucose from cellulose. Therefore, we established a method for highly efficient glucose recovery using hydrothermal dissolution. The amounts of decomposition products after hydrothermal dissolution were analyzed. Even with high levels of decomposition product, the sample showed the highest glucose concentration. Rapid enzymatic hydrolysis using dissolved cellulose generated by hydrothermal dissolution was successfully demonstrated. The optimal conditions of temperature and elution time for effective production of glucose were determined.