Services for the Analysis of Sugar Degradation Products
Background
Hydrolysis biorefining technologies aim to produce biofuels and/or platform chemicals from the polysaccharides
of lignocellulosic biomass by breaking them apart into their constituent monosaccharide (single sugar) units.
This can be done in various ways, including using enzymes and chemicals. Furthermore, these technologies often involve a pre-treatment stage to
make the lignocellulosic matrix more amenable to subsequent hydrolysis and in many cases these pre-treatments can partially hydrolyse some of the polysaccharides.
Particularly when elevated temperatures and/or chemicals are employed in either pre-treatment or hydrolysis it can be possible for the production of the monosaccharide to not be the end-point of the process. Some sugars may be further degraded to a variety of potential products. This is important since these products can often be inhibitory to fermentation or can otherwise complicate subsequent downstream processing methods.
Particularly when elevated temperatures and/or chemicals are employed in either pre-treatment or hydrolysis it can be possible for the production of the monosaccharide to not be the end-point of the process. Some sugars may be further degraded to a variety of potential products. This is important since these products can often be inhibitory to fermentation or can otherwise complicate subsequent downstream processing methods.
However, some of these sugar degradation products can be valuable chemicals in their own right and technologies may target their production.
The types and concentrations of these sugar degradation products will be dependent on the feedstock, pre-treatment, and hydrolysis methods used and can
vary substantially with these parameters.
Celignis personnel have significant experience in the analysis of sugar degradation products. The company was formed based on the outputs of a European research project called DIBANET that targeted the production of the degradation products levulinic acid, furfural, hydroxymethylfurfural, and formic acid from lignocellulosic biomass. We have developed analytical methods to determine the concentrations of the main degradation products of interest. These can be categorised according to two main classes, organic acids and furans.
Celignis personnel have significant experience in the analysis of sugar degradation products. The company was formed based on the outputs of a European research project called DIBANET that targeted the production of the degradation products levulinic acid, furfural, hydroxymethylfurfural, and formic acid from lignocellulosic biomass. We have developed analytical methods to determine the concentrations of the main degradation products of interest. These can be categorised according to two main classes, organic acids and furans.
We focus on the analysis of carboxylic acids that can be derived from the degradation of biomass-derived sugars. A carboxylic acid is an organic compound
where a carbon atom is bonded to a hydroxyl group by a single bond and to an oxygen by a double bond. Listed below are the organic acids that we currently
determine in biomass hydrolysates and liquids from biomass pre-treatment processes.
Levulinic Acid
Levulinic acid (or 4-oxopentanoic acid), is a 5-carbon carboxylic acid derived from the acid-catalysed degradation
of glucose and other hexoses. It can be inhibitory to fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis but can also be a valuable platform
chemical from which a
wide variety of chemicals, that can substitute for petroleum-derived products, can be derived. It is a versatile platform chemical due to its particular
chemistry - it has two highly reactive functional groups (carboxyl and ketone) that allow a great number of synthetic transformations. The United States
Department of Energy recognised levulinic acid as one of the top 12 value added chemicals to be derived from biomass.
One derivative of levulinic acid is gamma-Valerloactone, which we can also quantify using our ion chromatography system as well as by using our our GC-MS system.
One derivative of levulinic acid is gamma-Valerloactone, which we can also quantify using our ion chromatography system as well as by using our our GC-MS system.
Formic Acid
Formic acid (methanoic acid) has the formula HCOOH and is the simplest carboxylic acid. It is a co-product in the
production of levulinic acid from hexoses and can also be formed from the degradation of other sugars and sugar-degradation products.
Formic acid is used extensively as a decalcifier, as an acidulating agent in textile dying and finishing, and in leather tanning. It is also used in the preparation of organic esters and in the manufacture of drugs, dyes, insecticides, and refrigerants. In industrial production, formic acid is usually produced as a by-product of acetic acid production by liquid phase oxidation of hydrocarbons.
Formic acid is used extensively as a decalcifier, as an acidulating agent in textile dying and finishing, and in leather tanning. It is also used in the preparation of organic esters and in the manufacture of drugs, dyes, insecticides, and refrigerants. In industrial production, formic acid is usually produced as a by-product of acetic acid production by liquid phase oxidation of hydrocarbons.
Acetic Acid
Acetic acid (ethanoic acid) has the
formula CH3COOH and is an important industrial chemical and food additive.
Analysis of Furans
A furan is a heterocyclic organic compound with a five membered ring containing four carbon atoms and one oxygen atom. The furans that we analyse-for
contain groups attached to this ring and are possible products from the degradation of biomass-derived sugars.
Furfural
Furfural has an aldehyde group attached to the furanic ring and has the formula OC4H3CHO. It is an important
industrial solvent and also a precursor to a number of other important furanic compounds, including furfuryl alcohol. It is a degradation
product from pentose sugars, such as xylose and arabinose.
As with some other furans and many organic acids, furfural can be inhibitory to some fermentative organisms and hydrolysis enzymes.
Hydroxymethylfurfural
Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), also known as 5-furfural, contains an aldehyde and an alcohol functional group
attached to the furan ring. It can be produced
through the acid-catalysed dehydration and subsequent cyclisation of hexoses such as glucose
and mannose. HMF is also an intermediate in the production of levulinic acid
from hexoses. The functional side groups found in HMF offer a wide range of applications for which HMF can be used and transformed and it has the
potential to be a very useful platform chemical, providing it can be produced economically. HMF can also
be inhibitory to some fermentative organisms and hydrolysis enzymes.
Analysis of Organic Acids and Furans at Celignis
We can determine a number of organic acids and furans, relevant to the degradation of biomass-derived sugars, using analysis package
P22 - Organic Acids and Furans. This package is relevant to analysing the liquid outputs
from biomass pre-treatment and hydrolysis technologies. It can be used in conjunction with analysis package
P13 - Sugars and Oligossacharides in Solution to get a detailed understanding of the composition of process liquids.
Analysis package P22 - Organic Acids and Furans can also be used to determine the amounts of organic acids and furans in other substances, for example the hydroxymethylfurfural content of honey. The chemicals determined by analysis package P22 are detailed below:
Analysis package P22 - Organic Acids and Furans can also be used to determine the amounts of organic acids and furans in other substances, for example the hydroxymethylfurfural content of honey. The chemicals determined by analysis package P22 are detailed below:
If you would like us to determine the amounts of organic acids and furans other than those listed above please get in touch.
Request a QuoteSugar Degradation Products
Special Offer
Analysis Packages
P8 : Lignin Content
Lignin (Klason), Lignin (Acid Soluble), Acid Insoluble Residue, Ash (Acid Insoluble),
Lignin (Klason), Lignin (Acid Soluble), Acid Insoluble Residue, Ash (Acid Insoluble),
P15 : Uronic Acids
Glucuronic Acid, Galacturonic Acid, Mannuronic Acid, Guluronic Acid, 4-O-Methyl-D-Glucuronic Acid,
Glucuronic Acid, Galacturonic Acid, Mannuronic Acid, Guluronic Acid, 4-O-Methyl-D-Glucuronic Acid,
P121 : Evaluation of Biomass for Enzymatic Digestibility
Total Sugars in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Glucose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Xylose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Arabinose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Mannose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Galactose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Rhamnose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Cellobiose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Enzymatic Hydrolysis Kinetics, Cellulose Conversion Yield, Xylan Conversion Yield, Combined Sugar Yield, Cellulose Conversion Rate, Xylan Conversion Rate,
Total Sugars in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Glucose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Xylose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Arabinose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Mannose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Galactose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Rhamnose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Cellobiose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Enzymatic Hydrolysis Kinetics, Cellulose Conversion Yield, Xylan Conversion Yield, Combined Sugar Yield, Cellulose Conversion Rate, Xylan Conversion Rate,
P122 : Evaluation of Pre-Treatment on Enzymatic Digestibility
As P121 plus comparisons with data from the non-pretreated original sample, including: Increase in Cellulose Accessibility after Pre-Treatment, Percent Increase in Cellulose Conversion Efficiency, Percent Increase in Cellulose Conversion Rate.
As P121 plus comparisons with data from the non-pretreated original sample, including: Increase in Cellulose Accessibility after Pre-Treatment, Percent Increase in Cellulose Conversion Efficiency, Percent Increase in Cellulose Conversion Rate.
P123 : Composition of Residue from Enzymatic Hydrolysis
As P9 but on the solid residue after enzymatic hydrolysis.
As P9 but on the solid residue after enzymatic hydrolysis.
P124 : Fermentation Inhibitors in Enzymatic Hydrolysate
Formic Acid, Acetic Acid, Levulinic Acid, Furfural, Hydroxymethylfurfural,
Formic Acid, Acetic Acid, Levulinic Acid, Furfural, Hydroxymethylfurfural,
P125 : Cellulase Saccharification Efficiency
Includes all hydrolysate sugars and kinetics in P121 and: Cellulose Conversion Yield, Cellulose Conversion Rate
Includes all hydrolysate sugars and kinetics in P121 and: Cellulose Conversion Yield, Cellulose Conversion Rate
P126 : Xylanase Saccharification Efficiency
Includes all hydrolysate sugars and kinetics in P121 and: Xylan Conversion Yield, Xylan Conversion Rate
Includes all hydrolysate sugars and kinetics in P121 and: Xylan Conversion Yield, Xylan Conversion Rate
P127 : Amylase Saccharification Efficiency
Total Sugars in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Glucose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Maltose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, a-Amylase Hydrolysis Kinetics, Glucoamylase Hydrolysis Kinetics,
Total Sugars in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Glucose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, Maltose in Enzyme Hydrolysate, a-Amylase Hydrolysis Kinetics, Glucoamylase Hydrolysis Kinetics,
P12 : Sugars in Solvent Extract
Glucose, Xylose, Fructose, Sucrose, Mannose, Arabinose, Galactose, Rhamnose, Xylitol, Sorbitol, Trehalose, Mannitol, Arabinitol, Glycerol, Raffinose,
Glucose, Xylose, Fructose, Sucrose, Mannose, Arabinose, Galactose, Rhamnose, Xylitol, Sorbitol, Trehalose, Mannitol, Arabinitol, Glycerol, Raffinose,
P71 : Seaweed Carbohydrates
Fucose, Mannitol, Glucose, Xylose, Mannose, Arabinose, Galactose, Rhamnose, Total Sugars, Glucuronic Acid, Galacturonic Acid, Mannuronic Acid, Guluronic Acid,
Fucose, Mannitol, Glucose, Xylose, Mannose, Arabinose, Galactose, Rhamnose, Total Sugars, Glucuronic Acid, Galacturonic Acid, Mannuronic Acid, Guluronic Acid,
P150 : Plant Pigments
Chlorophyll-a, Chlorophyll-b, Lutein, beta-Carotene, Neoxanthin, Astaxanthin, Zeaxanthin,
Chlorophyll-a, Chlorophyll-b, Lutein, beta-Carotene, Neoxanthin, Astaxanthin, Zeaxanthin,
P81 : Biomethane Potential - 14 Days
Biomethane Potential (BMP), Total Biogas Volume, Total Solids, Volatile Solids, pH, Biogas Methane Content, Biogas Carbon Dioxide Content, Biogas Oxygen Content, Biogas Hydrogen Sulphide Content, Biogas Ammonia Content,
Biomethane Potential (BMP), Total Biogas Volume, Total Solids, Volatile Solids, pH, Biogas Methane Content, Biogas Carbon Dioxide Content, Biogas Oxygen Content, Biogas Hydrogen Sulphide Content, Biogas Ammonia Content,
P93 : Feedstock Chemical and Biological Analysis
Total Solids, Volatile Solids, pH, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Phosphorus, Potassium, Ammonia, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur,
Total Solids, Volatile Solids, pH, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Phosphorus, Potassium, Ammonia, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur,
P61 : Sugars in Bio-Oil Water Extract
Levoglucosan, Cellobiosan, Mannosan, Galactosan, Glucose, Xylose, Mannose, Arabinose, Galactose, Rhamnose, Fucose, Sucrose, Cellobiose, Total Sugars,
Levoglucosan, Cellobiosan, Mannosan, Galactosan, Glucose, Xylose, Mannose, Arabinose, Galactose, Rhamnose, Fucose, Sucrose, Cellobiose, Total Sugars,
P63 : Semi-Volatile Oxygenated Components in Bio-Oil
31 constituents including Phenol, Furfural, Syringol, and Vanillin
31 constituents including Phenol, Furfural, Syringol, and Vanillin
P360 : Specific Surface Area (5-Point BET)
Specific Surface Area (Nitrogen Gas Adsorption), BET Isotherm (5 Point Using Nitrogen),
Specific Surface Area (Nitrogen Gas Adsorption), BET Isotherm (5 Point Using Nitrogen),
P364 : Pore-Size Distribution
Specific Surface Area (Nitrogen Gas Adsorption), BET Isotherm (20 Point Using Carbon Dioxide), Pore Volume, Pore Size Distribution,
Specific Surface Area (Nitrogen Gas Adsorption), BET Isotherm (20 Point Using Carbon Dioxide), Pore Volume, Pore Size Distribution,
P366 : Pore Size Distribution Deluxe
Specific Surface Area (Nitrogen Gas Adsorption), BET Isotherm (40 Point Using Nitrogen), Pore Volume, Pore Size Distribution,
Specific Surface Area (Nitrogen Gas Adsorption), BET Isotherm (40 Point Using Nitrogen), Pore Volume, Pore Size Distribution,
P34 : Calorific Value and Elements
Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Ash, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen,
Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Ash, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen,
P36 : Major Elements
Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium,
Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium,
P37 : Minor Elements
Antimony, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Molybdenum, Nickel, Vanadium, Zinc,
Antimony, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Molybdenum, Nickel, Vanadium, Zinc,
P42 : Ash Melting Behaviour (Reducing Conditions)
Ash Shrinkage Starting Temperature (Reducing), Ash Deformation Temperature (Reducing), Ash Hemisphere Temperature (Reducing), Ash Flow Temperature (Reducing),
Ash Shrinkage Starting Temperature (Reducing), Ash Deformation Temperature (Reducing), Ash Hemisphere Temperature (Reducing), Ash Flow Temperature (Reducing),
P393 : Biochar Thermal Properties Deluxe
Moisture, Ash Content (815C), Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen, Chlorine, Volatile Matter, Fixed Carbon, Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium, Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Ash Shrinkage Starting Temperature (Reducing), Ash Deformation Temperature (Reducing), Ash Hemisphere Temperature (Reducing), Ash Flow Temperature (Reducing),
Moisture, Ash Content (815C), Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen, Chlorine, Volatile Matter, Fixed Carbon, Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium, Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Ash Shrinkage Starting Temperature (Reducing), Ash Deformation Temperature (Reducing), Ash Hemisphere Temperature (Reducing), Ash Flow Temperature (Reducing),
P394 : Biochar Thermal Properties Ultimate
As P393 plus inorganic carbon, organic carbon, TGA (under nitrogen and air), and inherent moisture
As P393 plus inorganic carbon, organic carbon, TGA (under nitrogen and air), and inherent moisture
P36 : Major Elements
Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium,
Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium,
P37 : Minor Elements
Antimony, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Molybdenum, Nickel, Vanadium, Zinc,
Antimony, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Molybdenum, Nickel, Vanadium, Zinc,
P384 : Biochar Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH)
Acenaphthene, Acenaphthylene, Anthracene, Benz[a]anthracene, Benzo[b]fluoranthene, Benzo[k]fluoranthene, Benzo[ghi]perylene, Benzo[a]pyrene, Chrysene, Dibenz[a,h]anthracene, Fluoranthene, Fluorene, Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, 1-Methylnaphthalene, 2-Methylnaphthalene, Naphthalene, Phenanthrene, Pyrene,
Acenaphthene, Acenaphthylene, Anthracene, Benz[a]anthracene, Benzo[b]fluoranthene, Benzo[k]fluoranthene, Benzo[ghi]perylene, Benzo[a]pyrene, Chrysene, Dibenz[a,h]anthracene, Fluoranthene, Fluorene, Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, 1-Methylnaphthalene, 2-Methylnaphthalene, Naphthalene, Phenanthrene, Pyrene,
P388 : Biochar Plant Growth Trials
Time to Germination, Mean Shoot Length (Week 1), Mean Shoot Length (Week 2), Mean Shoot Length (Week 3), Mean Shoot Length (Week 4), Shoot Weight (Week 4), Mean Root Length (Week 4), Root Weight (Week 4),
Time to Germination, Mean Shoot Length (Week 1), Mean Shoot Length (Week 2), Mean Shoot Length (Week 3), Mean Shoot Length (Week 4), Shoot Weight (Week 4), Mean Root Length (Week 4), Root Weight (Week 4),
P397 : Biochar Soil Amendment Ultimate
As Deluxe package plus P383, SEM Imaging (P387) and Plant Growth Trials (P388)
As Deluxe package plus P383, SEM Imaging (P387) and Plant Growth Trials (P388)
P399 : Biochar Complete Evaluation Package
Includes everything from P391 (Physical Properties Ultimate), P394 (Thermal Properties Ultimate), and P397 (Soil Amendment Ultimate)
Includes everything from P391 (Physical Properties Ultimate), P394 (Thermal Properties Ultimate), and P397 (Soil Amendment Ultimate)
P34 : Calorific Value and Elements
Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Ash, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen,
Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Ash, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen,
P36 : Major Elements
Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium,
Aluminium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, Titanium,
P37 : Minor Elements
Antimony, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Molybdenum, Nickel, Vanadium, Zinc,
Antimony, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Molybdenum, Nickel, Vanadium, Zinc,
P40 : Combustion Package
Volatile Matter, Fixed Carbon, Moisture, Ash, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen, Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Chlorine,
Volatile Matter, Fixed Carbon, Moisture, Ash, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Oxygen, Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Chlorine,
P41 : Ash Melting Behaviour (Oxidising Conditions)
Ash Shrinkage Starting Temperature (Oxidising), Ash Deformation Temperature (Oxidising), Ash Hemisphere Temperature (Oxidising), Ash Flow Temperature (Oxidising),
Ash Shrinkage Starting Temperature (Oxidising), Ash Deformation Temperature (Oxidising), Ash Hemisphere Temperature (Oxidising), Ash Flow Temperature (Oxidising),
News
October 11th 2019
We are Hiring! Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) Wanted
We are looking for top-class applicants to catalyse Celignis's growth.
We are looking for someone to join the Celignis team and spearhead our growth and expansion into new markets and territories.
The position has a salary of €69.5k for one year, plus €20k of training and €3.5k in relocation funds.
Please click here for further information on the position and how to apply.
Read...
June 30th 2019
We are Hiring! Innovation Developer Wanted
We are looking for top-class applicants to develop bioprocessing IP at Celignis
We are pleased to announce that we have been selected to be awarded funding, through the Horizon 2020 Innosup Innovation Associate programme, to recruit a top-class person to lead the development of our bioprocess concept into a patentable process and prototype product with clear commercial potential.
The SAPHIRE (Self-Assembling Plant-based Hydrogels Induced by Redox Enzymes) project focuses on the production of environmentally-friendly, 100% plant-based, superior-quality hydrogels for food,
cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.
The position has a salary of €69.5k for one year, plus €20k of training and €3.5k in relocation funds.
Please click here for further information on the position and how to apply.
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June 4th 2019
Celignis Collaborating with Ibiocat on Biorefinery Solutions
Illinois-based Ibiocat, was founded by Charles Abbas, a leading light for over 40 years in biorefining.
Illinois-based Ibiocat, founded by Charles A. Abbas, and Ireland-based analytical provider Celignis, founded by Dan Hayes, have come together to develop bespoke bioeconomy solutions for clients that are looking to add value to their process residues generated from 1G and 2G ethanol plants.
Click here to read more about this exciting collaboration and here to download a promotional flyer.
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May 28th 2019
We're Hosting a Review Meeting of H2020 Project ENABLING
The 2 day event will see all 16 partners of the ENABLING project discuss the progress to date.
This two-day event will see all 16 project partners discuss the progress made in the first 18 months of our Horizon 2020 project ENABLING and make plans for the activities to be undertaken in the second half of the project.
The focus of the project is on supporting the spreading of best practices and innovation in the provision (production, pre-processing) of biomass for the Bio-Based Industry (BBI).
Click here for more information on ENABLING.
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May 8th 2019
ENABLING Newsletter 4 Released
Details the latests activities and findings of the ENABLING project
We are happy to announce that the 4th newsletter of the ENABLING project has been released.
ENABLING is a coordinating and supporting action funded by the H2020-RUR-2017-1 call of the European Union's Horizon 2020 programme.
The title of the project is an acronym that stands for 'Enhance New Approaches in BioBased Local Innovation Networks for Growth'. The focus of the project is on supporting the spreading of best practices
and innovation in the provision (production, pre-processing) of biomass for the Bio-Based Industry (BBI).
Celignis will play a key role in the project with regards to stressing the importance of biomass composition in terms of evaluating feedstock and technology suitability.
Over the course of the project we will also be contacting a number of stakeholders, both in Ireland and overseas, and will be involved in the organisation of a number of networking events.
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