Dept. of Chem. Eng.

, UM

Dr. Adeline Chua S.M.

KKEK3151: Biochemistry (Semester 1, 2016/17)

Homework 4 (Group work)
Bioethanol production from cellulosic biomass
In the recent years, bioethanol derived from cellulosic biomass is being viewed as one of the potential
substitutes for fossil fuel. Some of the examples of cellulosic biomass include agricultural residues such
as oil palm empty fruit bunch, sugarcane bagasse and rice husk. Cellulosic biomass made up of mostly
cellulose is a favorable feedstock for bioethanol production due to its renewable nature, substantial
amount generated and low cost. However, the structural complexity of cellulosic biomass remains as a
challenge for large scale bioethanol production. You may refer to the following website to answer the
questions related to bioethanol production from cellulosic biomass.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/AE/AE49300.pdf
http://www.bioenergyconsult.com/what-is-lignocellulosic-biomass/
or other related references
Questions for discussion
1. Which generation of biofuel is the bioethanol produced from cellulosic biomass classified as? What
are the pros and cons related to the production of bioethanol of this generation?
2. Cellulosic biomass is largely made up of cellulose. Draw the structure of the basic unit of cellulose
and indicate the bond involves in linking the unit.
3. The rigid structure of cellulose has hindered cellulosic biomass to be readily converted into
bioethanol. What is the cause of cellulose rigidity?
4. Cellulosic biomass is usually subjected to pretreatment before it is converted to bioethanol. Discuss
why pretreatment is necessary.
5. Name three pretreatment techniques available to pretreat cellulosic biomass and state the
advantages and disadvantages associated with each technique.
6. What is the enzyme applied to hydrolyse cellulose? State the purpose of enzymatic hydrolysis in
bioethanol production.
7. Glucose produced from enzymatic hydrolysis can be converted to bioethanol via fermentation.
Name three microorganisms that are capable in producing bioethanol from glucose.
8. If yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is used for bioethanol production, state the suitable fermentation
conditions for this purpose (i.e. temperature, pH, oxygen content).
9. Sketch a typical process flow diagram of bioethanol production from cellulosic biomass.
10. Bioethanol production from cellulosic biomass has encountered several technological challenges
which impede its large scale production. Name one of the challenges in bioethanol production from
cellulosic biomass and what is the possible solution as proposed by the researchers to overcome it.
Format of report:
Font type and size: Arial, 11.
Spacing: 1.15.
No more than 2 pages
State clearly names and matric. no. of all group members
State clearly references and cite references properly in your report.
Plagiarism in any forms is prohibited. Write in your own words. No copy and paste from websites.
Submission deadline: Submit a hardcopy at the end of class on Nov. 15 (Tue) and email the softcopy (word
document file) to adeline@um.edu.my by Nov. 16 (Wed). Late submission will not be accepted.