Biotechnology Bulletin ›› 2024, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (5): 23-37.doi: 10.13560/j.cnki.biotech.bull.1985.2023-1154

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Research Progress in the High-value Utilization of Lignocellulose Biomass by Steam Explosion

WU Wei1,2(), MA Qiu-gang2, ZHU Xuan1, WANG Jian1()   

  1. 1. Guangdong HAID Group Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 511400
    2. State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193
  • Received:2023-12-08 Online:2024-05-26 Published:2024-06-13
  • Contact: WANG Jian E-mail:wuw10105@haid.com.cn;wangj24@haid.com.cn

Abstract:

Lignocellulose biomass is a renewable resource with a large quantity, wide coverage, and low cost. It has gradually been developed and applied from biomass to biofuels, feedstuffs, and other value-added products. Such high-value transformation and comprehensive utilization have become important parts of “taking the path of green development and building a green production system”. However, the natural anti-degradation barrier and unique physicochemical properties of lignocellulose, as well as the rigid network of the three major components of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, have been the long-term bottleneck of efficient conversion. The reasonable and effective pretreatment techniques are the key steps in the resource recovery process. This paper focuses on the analysis of basic composition and structural characteristics of lignocellulose biomass. On the basis of summarizing the advantages and disadvantages of traditional pretreatment methods such as physical, chemical, and biological methods, it emphasizes the development history, processing types, scope of application, working principle, reaction stages, technical characteristics, main parameters, and possible by-product effects of steam explosion. In addition, it involves research progress in the fiber modification, structural changes, dissolution characteristics, oligosaccharide preparation, active ingredient extraction, and ruminant feed utilization of biomass. It is also pointed out that the new trend in the post-treatment process after steam explosion assisted by microbial fermentation dominated by fungi and bacteria, as well as the exogenous addition of carbohydrase. Finally, the difficulties and challenges faced by steam explosion in future commercialization, industrialization, and large-scale production promotion are summarized. The corresponding breakthrough points and solution strategies are analyzed and proposed. The degradation effects of steam explosion technology on common by-product types of feed raw materials, as well as its reasonable application in the diet of monogastric animals, are discussed. It is aimed to provide new ideas and technical guidance for the potential development, value-added, and feed application of biomass resources using this means.

Key words: lignocellulose biomass, pretreatment, steam explosion, post-treatment flow, anti-degradation barrier, fiber modification, feed conversion