Statistical Optimization of Dilute Acid Hydrolysis of Corncob Biomass for Fermentable Sugar Production in Lactic Acid Bioprocessing

Adoga D. O., Samuel S. S., Okon F. E, Bassey O. E., Ojong O. E., Esang Joseph

Abstract


This study evaluated dilute sulfuric acid hydrolysis for the conversion of corncob waste into glucose. The process was optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on Central Composite Design (CCD). The effects of four process variables sulfuric acid concentration, temperature, reaction time, and biomass loading were investigated on reducing sugar yield. The optimum conditions for hydrolysis were determined as 0.8 M sulfuric acid concentration, 110°C temperature, 105 min reaction time, and 40 g biomass loading, which gave a maximum reducing sugar yield of 36.921 g/L. Statistical analysis showed that acid concentration, hydrolysis time, biomass loading, and temperature had significant effects on yield with p-values of 0.0270, 0.0050, 0.0001, and 0.0028, respectively. It was observed that high acid concentration and prolonged hydrolysis time led to a decline in sugar yield due to sugar degradation. The model showed excellent correlation between predicted and experimental yields, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.9654, indicating a well-fitted and reliable model. The results demonstrate that dilute acid hydrolysis of corncob is effective for glucose production and can be optimized using RSM for maximum yield. 


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