Fractionation and bioconversion of steam-exploded wheat straw

Abstract Wheat straw was pretreated by steam explosion under various conditions. The capability of the process in inducing a high fractionation of the lignocellulosic material in its major components and the influence of the explosion conditions on the substrate susceptibility to the attack of cellulolytic enzymes have been investigated. Bioconversion was studied considering the cellulose-rich fraction obtained from product fractionation as well as the product directly obtained from the explosion treatment. Quantitative data in terms of rate and yield of hydrolysis have been obtained for the different conditions.