Cuantificación de azúcares fermentables obtenidos mediante hidrólisis de la cáscara de la vaina de cacao

Abstract

In Ecuador, the diversification of the energy matrix is promoted. Currently the focus has been on biomass. In order not to compete with the food sector, alternatives are sought in the type of residual biomass proposed in the Project "Estimation of the energy contribution of anhydrous bioethanol obtained from the lignocellulosic waste of the cocoa plant by enzymatic fermentation, distillation, rectification and its impact on the national energy matrix ". The present investigation is based on acid hydrolysis for the fractionation of the lignocellulosic biomass, this process allows to obtain reducing sugars (Glucose and Xylose) which can be used as raw material for energy purposes. The concentration of reducing sugars obtained is determined by FTIR, while the degradation products Hydroxymethylfurfural and Furfural are determined by UV spectroscopy. Acid hydrolysis uses sulfuric acid at low concentrations considering as work variables: temperature, biomass concentration and reaction time. The objective is to optimize the process to obtain a higher concentration of reducing sugars and a lower concentration of Hydroxymethylfurfural and Furfural.