Process Improvement in Enzymatic Hydrolysis for Algal Biomass Conversion

Abstract

Enzymatic hydrolysis is a pivotal step in the conversion of algal biomass into biofuels and valuable biochemicals. However, the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis is often hindered by several factors, including the recalcitrance of algal cell walls and enzyme specificity. This study investigates process improvement strategies to enhance enzymatic hydrolysis, including pretreatment optimization, enzyme cocktail customization, and operational parameter tuning. Results indicate a significant improvement in hydrolysis yield with a combined approach, demonstrating the potential for sustainable and cost-effective biomass conversion. Future directions include exploring enzyme engineering and integrating hydrolysis with downstream processes.