Maximizing the production of total reducing sugars from sugarcane bagasse using ultrasound-assisted acid hydrolysis based on response surface methodology approach

The depletion of fossil fuels and the associated environmental impact necessitate the development of sustainable energy sources as well as feedstocks for value added chemicals. Lignocellulosic biomass, particularly sugarcane bagasse (SCB), is a promising feedstock for various industrial processes and products with the total reducing sugars (TRS) as one of the valuable intermediates. The current study focuses on maximizing TRS production from sugarcane bagasse using ultrasound-assisted acid hydrolysis. The Box-Behnken design of response surface methodology was employed to determine the best conditions for maximizing TRS concentration, with the study involving five independent variables as time, ultrasonic power, duty cycle, temperature, and acid loading. The statistical analysis predicted the best operating parameters as time of 82.77 min, ultrasonic power of 124.03 W, 60.95% duty cycle, temperature of 61 degrees C, and acid concentration of 3.44%, resulting in the highest TRS concentration of 3.49 mg/mL. Experimental data and statistical analysis validated the quadratic model's predictive capability, demonstrating its practical applicability in enhancing TRS production efficiency. Overall, the work has demonstrated an effective method of using delignified biomass for maximizing the yield of reducing sugars based on detailed study of the effect of operating parameters.