Abstract: In one embodiment the instant invention generally pertains to a method for producing glucose for fermentation. The method comprises first treating a biomass with acid and heat under conditions sufficient to produce a composition mixture comprising cellulose suitable for enzymatic hydrolysis. Next, at least a portion of the cellulose of step (a) is enzymatically hydrolyzed under conditions sufficient to form a composition comprising glucose. The glucose is then fermented. Advantageously, one or more reaction conditions are more efficient because they are selected by first measuring an initial hydrolysis rate of said biomass and then selecting one or more appropriate reaction conditions based upon said initial hydrolysis rate.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for treating a feedstock comprising holocellulose. The process comprises mixing the feedstock with a solution comprising cellulose binding domains to form a mixture. The mixture is then subjected to conditions sufficient to reduce the crystallinity of holocellulose. Subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis may show an improved rate and/or fermentable sugar yield as compared to processes which do not employ the process.

Abstract: In one embodiment the instant invention generally pertains to a method for producing glucose for fermentation. The method comprises first treating a biomass comprising a lignocellulosic material with a mixture comprising SO2 and steam at reaction conditions sufficient to produce a composition mixture comprising cellulose suitable for enzymatic hydrolysis. Specifically, the temperature, residence time, and SO2 concentration may be selected by calculating a crystallinity index (CrI) of the biomass and using the calculated crystallinity index as an indicator of enzymatic hydrolysis rate. In this manner cellulose may be enzymatically hydrolyzed glucose for aerobic or anaerobic fermentation.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for treating a feedstock comprising holocellulose. The process comprises mixing the feedstock with a solution comprising cellulose binding domains to form a mixture. The mixture is then subjected to conditions sufficient to reduce the crystallinity of holocellulose. Subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis may show an improved rate and/or fermentable sugar yield as compared to processes which do not employ the process.

Abstract: In one embodiment the instant invention generally pertains to a method for producing glucose for fermentation. The method comprises first treating a biomass with acid and heat under conditions sufficient to produce a composition mixture comprising cellulose suitable for enzymatic hydrolysis. Next, at least a portion of the cellulose of step (a) is enzymatically hydrolyzed under conditions sufficient to form a composition comprising glucose. The glucose is then fermented. Advantageously, one or more reaction conditions are more efficient because they are selected by first measuring an initial hydrolysis rate of said biomass and then selecting one or more appropriate reaction conditions based upon said initial hydrolysis rate.