Tripti Tripathi,
Shravan Kumar,
S.V.A.R. Sastry,
- Research Scholar, Department of Biochemical Engineering, Harcourt Butler Technical University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemical Engineering, Harcourt Butler Technical University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Harcourt Butler Technical University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract
Sugarcane bagasse, a lignocellulosic byproduct generated in substantial quantities by the sugar industry, represents a promising feedstock for the sustainable production of enzymes and bio-based chemicals. Its high (1→4)-β-D-glucopyranose (cellulose) content, abundant availability, and low cost make it an ideal candidate for bioconversion processes. However, the inherent recalcitrance of bagasse, primarily due to its lignin-rich matrix, necessitates effective pretreatment strategies to enhance enzymatic digestibility. This study presents a comparative investigation of three distinct pretreatment methods—alkaline, acid, and bleaching—applied to sugarcane bagasse, with the goal of improving its structural accessibility and compositional suitability for downstream bioconversion. Pretreatments were conducted using sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)-based bleaching under controlled conditions. Each method was evaluated for its effectiveness in delignification, hemicellulose removal, and (1→4)-β-D-glucopyranose (cellulose) exposure. The physicochemical transformations induced by these pretreatments were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Result revealed that alkaline pretreatment with 1N NaOH achieved the highest degree of delignification (7.16% residual lignin), while acid and bleaching treatments offered complementary advantages in structural disruption and thermal behavior. This comparative analysis highlights the distinct mechanisms and efficiencies of each pretreatment strategy, providing valuable insights into optimizing sugarcane bagasse for enzymatic hydrolysis and bioprocessing applications. The findings contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable biomass pretreatment workflows for cellulase enzyme production and other biotechnological uses.
Keywords: Cellulase enzyme, sugarcane bagasse, pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, lignin.
[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer & Composites (jopc)]
Tripti Tripathi, Shravan Kumar, S.V.A.R. Sastry. Structural Modification of Sugarcane Bagasse using Alkaline, Acid, and Bleaching Pretreatments for Enhanced Yield of Poly (1→4)-β-D-glucopyranose (Cellulose) and Hemicellulose for Utilization as Biocomposites. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2025; 13(06):983-992.
Tripti Tripathi, Shravan Kumar, S.V.A.R. Sastry. Structural Modification of Sugarcane Bagasse using Alkaline, Acid, and Bleaching Pretreatments for Enhanced Yield of Poly (1→4)-β-D-glucopyranose (Cellulose) and Hemicellulose for Utilization as Biocomposites. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2025; 13(06):983-992. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=235277
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Journal of Polymer & Composites
| Volume | 13 |
| Special Issue | 06 |
| Received | 06/06/2025 |
| Accepted | 24/06/2025 |
| Published | 27/09/2025 |
| Publication Time | 113 Days |
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