Optimization of the production of platform chemicals and sugars from the red macroalga, Kappaphycus alvarezii

In this study, the platform-chemicals and sugar production from the macro-algae, Kappaphycus alvarezii, were investigated. The production of glucose, galactose, levulinic acid (LA), and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) was evaluated by dilute-acid-catalyzed hydrothermal reaction. By this approach, the respective optimal yields (and reaction conditions) were as follows: glucose 2.15 g/L (reaction temperature: 160 degrees C, catalyst amount: 1.09%, reaction time: 20 min), galactose 14.47 g/L (160.3 degrees C, 1.02%, 20.3 min), LA 11.69 g/L (178.2 degrees C, 2.87%, 39.3 min) and 5-HMF 3.02 g/L (160.6 degrees C, 1%, 20.1 min). (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.