Methods and Compositions for the Treatment of Cellulosic Biomass and Products Produced Thereby

Abstract

A two-step method for activating a cellulosic feedstock is described. The feedstock is subjected to a first high temperature activation step at a temperature greater than 190° C. and a second activation step at a lower temperature under alkali conditions. Also described are methods and compositions for the enzymatic hydrolysis of activated cellulose using one or more cellulase enzymes, a surfactant and polyaspartic acid. Also described are products of the methods.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A fructose syrup comprising about 95% fructose and about 5% non-fructose sugar wherein the non-fructose sugar is one or more of xylose, xylo-oligosaccarides and xylan. 
     
     
         3 . The fructose syrup of  claim 2  prepared by glucose isomerization of a glucose-rich sugar stream. 
     
     
         4 . The fructose syrup of  claim 3 , wherein the glucose-rich sugar stream is prepared by:
 (a) subjecting a cellulosic feedstock to a first activation step wherein the feedstock is treated at a temperature greater than 190° C. and a pressure greater than 200 psig to produce a first activated cellulose stream comprising cellulose II and insoluble solids;   (b) subjecting the first activated cellulose stream to a second activation step wherein the first activated cellulose stream is treated with an alkali at a lower temperature than the first activation step to produce a second activated cellulose stream comprising cellulose IV; and   (c) contacting the second activated cellulose stream with one or more cellulase enzymes to produce the glucose-rich sugar stream.