Unlocking Bioethanol Potential through Novel Combination: Rice Straw Transformation using Alkali Pre-treatment and Subsequent Cellulosic Treatment

Cellulose is one of the most abundant carbon-based polymers which can be utilized for biofuel production. Cellulosic material present in any form can be converted into biofuels which depends on the microorganism used in fermentation stage. Cellulose is bound by lignin and hemi-cellulose and tightness of the bond is different in different species therefore different pre-treatment methods can be used for removal of lignin and hemi-celluloses. In our laboratory we successfully showed that pre-treatment of rice straw and treatment of resultant cellulose can be digested by diluted alkalis. The mixture thus gained can be used as raw material of yeast to produce bioethanol. Dried rice straw was collected and brought to the laboratory. The biomass was dried, powdered and mixed with 5% sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. The mixture was then again treated with either of the diluted alkalis which converted higher polymers into fermentable sugars. Fermentable sugars were tested using DNS method. Yeast was added to the digested solution and production of ethanol was confirmed by blue green color produced by addition potassium permanganate and sulphuric acid to the fermented mixture. Ethanol was also tested at 210 nm using UV spectrophotometer.