Optimization of the Hydrolysis of Corn Cob Hemicellulose for the Production of Xylitol

Abstract

This study was aimed at studying the effects of process variables on the hydrolysis of corn cob hemicellulose for the production of xylitol and the method of conversion of the xylose-rich substrate obtained on the production of xylitol. The result of the hydrolysis study showed that the optimal reaction conditions for the recovery of xylose-rich substrate from corn cob hemicellulose was 2 % sulphuric acid concentration, a solid to liquid ratio of 1:10 and a reaction temperature and time of 130oC and 20 minutes respectively. The optimal yield of xylitol obtained after hydrogenation and subsequent purification by several runs of ion-exchange chromatography was at solid to liquid ratio 1:10, acid concentration 2%, temperature 1300C and time 20 minutes