Dynamic Visualization of Lignocellulose Degradation

Lignocellulosic biomass is recalcitrant to deconstruction and saccharification due to its fundamental molecular architecture and multicomponent laminate composition. The objective of this research study is to provide multi-length scale, real-time imaging of biomass during pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis by development and demonstration of a combined neutron scattering and computer simulation. Integration and application of the combined capabilities of the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and theNational Leadership Computing Facility (NCLF) at ORNL will provide update information on lignocellulosic degradation at an unprecedented level of detail. These molecular-level methods are assisted and complemented by technical expertise and characterization at the Institute of Paper Science and Technology (Georgia Tech), and chemical force microscopy methods for surface characterization. A multipurpose neutron imaging chamber will be designed and used for in situ, dynamic observation of biomass processing. Deuteration of the biomass crop switch grass and other cellulose sources is being carried out to enable higher contrast with neutron scattering and examination of surface accessibility. These novel technological capabilities are being applied to specific problems in the pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of biomass to produce the fundamental molecular scale understanding required for cost-effective cellulosic ethanol production.