Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for high titer lactic acid production using simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation process using acid treated lignocellulosic biomass. The process comprises of pretreating lignocellulosic biomass comprising C5 and C6 sugars with dilute acid and superheated steam at a temperature ranging from 150-210° C.; neutralizing the pretreated lignocellulosic biomass of step (i) with NaOH pellets; and adding cellulase enzyme in the range of 1.5 to 10 FPU/g, bacteria, nutrients and buffering agent to the neutralized slurry obtained in step (ii) for hydrolysis and co-fermentation of C5 and C6 sugars at a temperature ranging from 40-45° C. for a period of 120-144 hours to obtain lactic acid. The process of the present invention requires simple nutrients and results in high titer lactic acid production within shortest duration of time.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for producing readily available and hydrolysable polysaccharide-enriched biomass from lignocellulosic biomass while quantitatively retaining carbohydrate and producing fewer amounts of inhibitors. The method includes treating lignocellulosic biomass with an aqueous solution at elevated temperatures in a sequential step using hydrazine hydrate and sodium sulphite. In accordance with the present invention, the biomass may be further treated with a saccharification enzyme consortium to produce fermentable sugars.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for producing readily available and hydrolysable polysaccharide-enriched biomass from lignocellulosic biomass while quantitatively retaining carbohydrate and producing fewer amounts of inhibitors. The method includes treating lignocellulosic biomass with an aqueous solution at elevated temperatures in a sequential step using hydrazine hydrate and sodium sulphite. In accordance with the present invention, the biomass may be further treated with a saccharification enzyme consortium to produce fermentable sugars.