In this lab investigation, students will perform an acid hydrolysis to convert cellulose from biomass into glucose for fermentation. This process is also known as saccharification. Students will perform steps to dehydrate, hydrolyze, and then neutralize the acid to make a neutral sugar solution. The resulting sugar solution will then be diluted for use in the Fermentation lab.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion, students will be able to:
- Define terminology associated with biomass hydrolysis
- Describe the process by which cellulose can be converted into glucose
- Conduct a hydrolysis procedure for fermentation, and list steps necessary for cellulose hydrolysis
- Calculate actual and theoretical yield of a given biomass sources
- Discuss factors influencing these yields
Concepts/Skills
Hydrolysis, Fermentation, Energy Content, Enzyme Action
Prior Knowledge
Background provided
Time Required
120 minutes
Required Supplies
Hot plate, nut grinder/blender, rough balance, autoclave, sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, pH probes, vacuum nozzles, vacuum hosing, Erlenmeyer flask, beaker, dry biomass, aluminum foil, glass pipette, Buchner funnel, filter paper