TY - JOUR AU - Adams, J. M. M. AU - Winters, A. L. AU - Hodgson, E. M. AU - Gallagher, J. A. PY - 2018 DA - 2018/03/14 TI - What cell wall components are the best indicators for Miscanthus digestibility and conversion to ethanol following variable pretreatments? JO - Biotechnology for Biofuels SP - 67 VL - 11 IS - 1 AB - Energy crops including Miscanthus provide a storable, portable energy source which can be used to complement a wide range of products and energy generation systems. Miscanthus is predominantly used in Europe as a combustion material for electricity generation but also has the potential for biochemical conversion due to its high yield and low-nutrient requirements. The ratio of holocellulose (hemicellulose and cellulose combined) to acid detergent lignin (H:L) within the senesced material has previously been shown to indicate the relative suitability of Miscanthus accessions for thermochemical conversion. In this study, the ratio was assessed to examine its use as a selection aid for biochemical conversion. 20 highly-characterised Miscanthus accessions were saccharified using an enzyme mix to determine optimum sugar release. Nine of these accessions spanning high, medium and low H:L ratios were then autoclaved with dilute acid, alkali or water, and enzymically hydrolysed and fermented to produce ethanol. Samples taken throughout the process allowed assessments of released sugars. SN - 1754-6834 UR - https://doi.org/10.1186/s13068-018-1066-3 DO - 10.1186/s13068-018-1066-3 ID - Adams2018 ER -