CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS

[0001 ] The present application claims priority under the Paris Convention to US Application Number 62/145,785, filed April 10, 2015, and to US Application Number 62/246,271 , filed October 26, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] This application relates to methods for treating cellulosic biomass to produce cellulosic sugars. In one aspect, methods for activating cellulosic feedstock and/or enzymatic hydrolysis to produce glucose are provided. Activated cellulosic feedstock and products produced from enzymatic hydrolysis of the activated cellulosic feedstock are also provided.

INTRODUCTION

[0003] The production of sugars such as glucose from cellulosic biomass has been the focus of considerable research and development. However, the high cost and low conversion rate of many processes has limited the widespread adoption of cellulosic sugar technology.

[0004] A number of different methods for converting cellulosic biomass into sugars are known in the art. These generally include a pretreatment step wherein cellulosic biomass is physically and/or chemically altered to open up the structure of the polymeric sugars contained in cellulosic biomass and an enzymatic or chemical hydrolysis step wherein the polymeric sugars are broken down into monomeric sugars.

[0005] While high yields of glucose (>90%) based on cellulose have been reported, these yields are normally achieved at low concentrations of glucose, typically 2-5%. Methods that result in both a high yield and a high concentration of glucose are difficult to achieve because the presence of glucose typically reduces the activity of cellulase enzymes even at high enzyme loadings. Cellulase enzyme activity decreases over time, necessitating the addition of fresh enzyme to enzymatic hydrolysis reactions to maintain yield. However, the high cost of cellulase enzymes can become prohibitive. Cellulase enzymes may also bind with recalcitrant cellulose and/or lignin and become unavailable for the further hydrolysis of cellulose to glucose. This non-productive binding also hinders the recycling of enzymes, which is desirable to reduce enzyme usage and lower operating costs.

[0006] Various different processes have been developed for pre-treating the cellulosic feedstock and various enzymatic hydrolysis processes have been developed to convert the treated cellulosic feedstock to sugars. For example, Parekh (PCT Publication No. WO2014/026154) describe a two-stage pre-treatment process for lignocellulosic biomass largely under acidic conditions. Schiffino et al. (US Publication No. 201 1/0250645) describe methods for improving the release of monomeric sugars from alkaline treated biomass. Liu et al. (US Publication No. 201 1/0300586) describe a two-stage pretreatment process for lignocellulosic biomass with the objective of reducing the crystallinity of the cellulose and to dissociate the hemicellulose-cellulose complex. Embodiments include a low severity steam treatment or autohydrolysis followed by hydrolysis with dilute acid or hot water.

SUMMARY

[0007] This summary is intended to introduce the reader to the more detailed description that follows and not to limit or define any claimed or as yet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in any combination or subcombination of the elements or process steps disclosed in any part of this document including its claims and figure.

[0008] According to one broad aspect, there is provided a method for activating a cellulosic feedstock in order to increase the chemical and/or enzymatic reactivity of cellulose in the feedstock. Activated cellulose may then be converted into cellulosic sugars such as by subjecting the activated cellulose to enzymatic hydrolysis.

[0009] In accordance with this aspect, the cellulosic feedstock may be subjected to a first high temperature activation step followed by a second activation step at a lower temperature under alkali conditions. In accordance with this embodiment, the method may comprise subjecting the feedstock to a first activation step wherein the feedstock is treated at a temperature greater than 190°C and a pressure greater than 200 psig to produce a first activated cellulose stream comprising cellulose II and insoluble solids. The insoluble solids may include components of the feedstock other than cellulose such as lignin. Subsequently, the first activated cellulose stream may be subjected to a second activation step wherein the first activated cellulose stream is treated with an alkali at a lower temperature than the first activation step to produce a second activated cellulose stream comprising cellulose IV. Preferably, the first activation step is conducted in the presence of water.

[0010] Without being limited by theory, it is believed that the first activation step alters the crystalline state of cellulose in the cellulosic feedstock to produce a first activated cellulose stream with a higher proportion of cellulose II relative to the amount of cellulose II in the cellulosic feedstock. The second activation step is believed to further alter the crystalline state of cellulose in the first activated cellulose stream to produce a second activated cellulose stream with a higher proportion of cellulose IV relative to the amount of cellulose IV in the first activated cellulose stream. In one embodiment, the two-step activation method described herein produces a mixture of cellulose II , hydrated cellulose II and alkali-cellulose IV. Optionally, the cellulosic material may be treated, e.g., washed and/or filtered, after one or each activation step in order to remove soluble non-cellulosic components.

[001 1 ] The method for activating cellulose described herein has also been determined to result in activated cellulose with an increase in the level of glucan and/or a decrease in the level of non-cellulosic components of the cellulosic feedstock such as lignin. For example, in one embodiment the methods described herein produce activated cellulose with at least 60%, at least 70% or at least 75% glucan. In one embodiment, the methods described herein produce activated cellulose with less than 25%, less than 20% or less than 15% lignin.

[0012] According to another broad aspect, methods and compositions are provided for stabilizing enzymes during enzymatic hydrolysis, maintaining enzymatic activity and/or obtaining an enzyme recycling stream. [0013] According to another broad aspect, an enzymatic hydrolysis mix suitable for use in the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the enzymatic hydrolysis mix is contacted with activated cellulose produced according the methods described herein.

[0014] In accordance with these aspects, there is provided one or more cellulase enzymes in combination with a surfactant and/or a dispersant for the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that the cellulase enzymes form a complex with the surfactant and/or dispersant that may stabilize the enzymes, help maintain enzyme activity, prevent enzyme degradation and/or facilitate recovery of the enzymes following enzymatic hydrolysis. It is also believed that the presence of a dispersant such as an oligopeptide helps prevent the non-productive binding of cellulase enzymes by interacting with lignin and/or other non-cellulose components. In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant is a non-ionic surfactant such as a polysorbate surfactant. In another preferred embodiment, the surfactant is a blend of surfactants, such as Tween™, an alkoxylated glyceride and nonyl phenol. In one embodiment, the dispersant is a non-enzymatic oligopeptide, optionally a polyamino acid, optionally a polyamino acid with a molecular weight of between 500 and 10,000, between 1000 and 5000 or between 3500 and 4500. In a preferred embodiment, the polyamino acid is polyaspartic acid.

[0015] The methods and compositions described herein offer a number of advantages with respect to the activation of cellulose and/or the production of cellulosic sugars, which may be obtained from some of the embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, use of the methods and compositions described herein may result in a glucose-rich sugar stream with greater than about 12% glucose, greater than about 14% glucose, greater than about 16% glucose or greater than about 18% glucose. Further, in these or other embodiments, the methods and compositions described herein may result in a high yield of monomeric sugars. For example, in some embodiments, the methods and compositions described herein may result in a yield of glucose that is greater than about 70%, greater than about 80%, greater than about 85%, greater than about 90% or greater than about 95% of a theoretical yield of glucose. The theoretical yield of glucose in an enzymatic hydrolysis reaction may be determined based on the glucan content of the activated cellulosic material subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis. In some preferred embodiments, the methods and compositions described herein may result in a glucose rich sugar stream with both a high yield and a high concentration of glucose. For example, in one embodiment the glucose-rich sugar stream has greater than about 12% glucose and a yield of greater than 70%, or greater than 14% glucose and a yield of greater than 80%, or greater than 16% glucose and a yield greater than 90%.

[0016] According to another broad aspect, methods are provided for the enzymatic hydrolysis of activated cellulose to produce cellulosic sugars such as glucose. In accordance with this embodiment, the enzymatic hydrolysis may be conducted on as a batch process or a continuous process. The enzymatic hydrolysis may be conducted using the enzymatic hydrolysis mix and/or the activated cellulose as disclosed herein.

[0017] In accordance with another aspect, methods are provided for treating a glucose rich sugar stream to remove enzymes used for enzymatic hydrolysis. Removing and/or recycling the enzymes used for enzymatic hydrolysis may reduce the amount of enzyme needed for enzymatic hydrolysis and therefore the costs associated with producing cellulosic sugars. For example, the methods and compositions described herein may be used to recover at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 85% of the cellulase enzyme activity in an enzyme recycle stream following enzymatic hydrolysis. The enzyme recycling stream may be recycled to continue treating activated cellulose and/or may be used to treat fresh activated cellulose, such as a second activated cellulose stream as described herein. In some embodiments, the glucose rich sugar stream is subjected to multiple enzyme removal treatments, either the same enzyme removal treatment repeated more than once or different enzyme removal treatments.

[0018] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a glucose-rich sugar stream produced by a method as described herein. In one embodiment, the sugar stream comprises greater than 12%, greater than 14%, greater than 16% or greater than 18% glucose. In one embodiment, the sugar stream comprises polyaspartic acid. In some embodiments, the polyaspartic acid is present at a concentration between 1 ppb and 10000 ppm.

[0019] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a method for producing a glucose-rich sugar stream comprising (a) providing activated cellulose comprising a mix of cellulose II, hydrated cellulose II and alkali-cellulose IV; and subjecting the activated cellulose to enzymatic hydrolysis with one or more cellulase enzymes, a surfactant and a dispersant to produce the glucose-rich sugar stream. Optionally, the activated cellulose is produced using a method a described herein.

[0020] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a glucose-rich sugar stream further comprising a non-glucose sugar, wherein the non-glucose sugar is one or more of xylose, xylo-oligosaccharide and xylan. In one embodiment the non-glucose sugars comprise about 3-8%, about 4-7% or about 5-6% of the dry matter of the composition. In a particular embodiment the glucose-rich sugar stream comprises about 5% non-glucose sugar.

[0021 ] In accordance with yet a further aspect of the invention there is provided a fructose-rich sugar stream prepared by conversion of the glucose in the glucose-rich sugar stream of the invention to fructose. The fructose-rich sugar stream further comprising a non-fructose sugar, wherein the non-fructose sugar is one or more of xylose, xylo-oligosaccharide and xylan. In one embodiment the non- fructose sugars comprise about 1 -8%, about 2-7% or about 3-6% of the dry matter of the composition. In a particular embodiment the fructose-rich sugar stream comprises about 5% non-glucose sugar.

[0022] In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a lower glycemic index glucose syrup or lower glycemic index fructose syrup wherein the glucose or fructose syrup comprises about 1 -8%, about 2-7% or about 3-6% of one or more of xylose, xylo-oligosaccharide and xylan, and wherein the glycemic index is lower than the glycemic index of conventional glucose or fructose syrup produced in a conventional manner.

[0023] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples while indicating embodiments of the disclosure are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. In particular, it will be appreciated that any method may use all of the aspects disclosed herein or any particular combination or sub-combination of the aspects.

DRAWINGS

[0024] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of methods, and compositions of the teaching of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way.

[0025] The disclosure will now be described in relation to the drawing in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic flow chart of the method according to a preferred embodiment that includes a two-step activation of a cellulosic feedstock, enzymatic hydrolysis of the activated feedstock and an enzyme removal treatment to obtain an enzyme recycle stream and a glucose-rich and enzyme-poor sugar stream.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Various methods and compositions will be subsequently described to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment subsequently described limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover methods and compositions that differ from those subsequently described. The claimed inventions are not limited to methods and compositions having all of the features of any one method and composition subsequently described or to features common to multiple or all of the methods and compositions described below. It is possible that a method or composition subsequently described is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an method or composition subsequently described that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document. [0028] Described herein are various methods and compositions useful for the treatment of cellulosic biomass to produce cellulosic sugars. In one embodiment, there is provided a method for activating a cellulosic feedstock to produce activated cellulose. It has been determined that subjecting a cellulosic feedstock to a first activation step at a high temperature and pressure followed by a second activation step with an alkali at a lower temperature than the first activation step produces activated cellulose with chemical and/or physical properties that are advantageous for the hydrolysis of cellulose into monomeric sugars.

[0029] The methods disclosed herein utilize a cellulosic feedstock 10. Cellulosic feedstock 10 may be any feedstock known in the cellulosic sugar art. For example, the cellulosic feedstock may comprise one or more of straw, corn stover, bagasse, hardwoods, softwoods, energy crops and the like.

[0030] The raw agricultural material which is provided to a plant may be treated to remove rocks, soil and other material present in the raw agricultural material and to reduce the size of the raw agricultural or forest based material that is fed to the process, such as by comminution, grinding, milling or otherwise treated.

[0031 ] As exemplified in Figure 1 , cellulosic feedstock 10 may be fed to reactor 14 wherein cellulosic feedstock 10 is subjected to a first activation step to produce a first activated cellulose stream 16. In the first activation step, cellulosic feedstock 10 may be treated at an elevated temperature and pressure to produce first activated cellulose stream 16 comprising cellulose II and insoluble solids.

[0032] Reactor 14 may be a batch reactor or a continuous process reactor. In the case of a batch reactor, cellulosic feedstock 10 may be fed to reactor 14 and the reactor, which may be a stirred tank reactor, may be raised to the operating conditions for a desired time. If reactor 14 is a continuous flow reactor, then it may be a steam exposition reactor as is known in the art and may be maintained at the desired operating condition.

[0033] The first activation step may be conducted under conditions that increase the amount of cellulose II in the first activated cellulose stream relative to the amount of cellulose I I in the feedstock. [0034] The temperature may be greater than 190°C and optionally greater than 210°C, preferably greater than 220°C and may be less than about 250°C. Accordingly, the process may be conducted at a temperature in the range of 190°C - 250°C, 210°C - 250°C, 220°C - 240°C, or 222°C - 230°C.

[0035] The pressure may be greater than 200 psig and optionally less than 500 psig. Pressure in the reactor corresponds to temperature as per saturated steam thermodynamics as a minimum. In an embodiment, pressure may be increased over and above that value by adding a pressurized gas, or adding superheat.

[0036] Cellulosic feedstock 10 may be subjected to the first activation step for less than 30 minutes, less than 20 minutes, less than 10 minutes or less than 5 minutes. The duration of the treatment time will vary depending upon many factors including severity of the activation step, e.g. , the temperature and pressure of reactor 14.

[0037] It will be appreciated that the temperatures, pressures and duration of treatment may be combined in any desired combination. Accordingly, for example, the first activation step may comprise subjecting the feedstock to a pressure between 200 and 500 psig and a temperature between 200 and 250°C for 1 to 30 minutes, or a pressure between 200 and 500 psig and a temperature between 190 and 215°C for less than 4 minutes.

[0038] Optionally, the first activation step is conducted in the presence of water. Water may be introduced into reactor 14 by one or more of being present in cellulosic feedstock 10, being present in reactor 14 when cellulosic feedstock is introduced into reactor 14 and by being introduced by feed stream 12. The total amount of moisture that is introduced into the reactor may be at least 30% and can be as high as 90%. In a particular embodiment, there is 50% moisture going into the reactor.

[0039] The water which is present in reactor 14 may be in the form of steam or liquid water and is preferably in the form of liquid water. It will be appreciated that the temperature and pressure of the first activation step may be selected such that liquid water is present in the reactor 14. [0040] First activated cellulose stream 16 may have a solids content of between about 30% and 50% solids by weight. The solids will comprise chiefly cellulose which may be subsequently subjected to a second activation step. The solids may further comprise lignin, hemicellulose and minor components such as ash, protein, or extractives.

[0041 ] Optionally, the cellulosic material may be subjected to one or more washing steps, either under the same conditions or different conditions, after the first and/or second activation step. To this end, first activated cellulose stream 16 may be subjected to one or more washing steps prior to the second activation step in order to remove soluble non-cellulosic components such as hemicellulose and some ash, extractives and lignin. The first wash removes these solubles and, because the solubles are at acidic pH, the wash step also reduces the alkali requirement in the second alkali activation stage.

[0042] As exemplified in Figure 1 , first activated cellulose stream 16 and wash water 20 may be introduced to wash reactor 18 to produce waste water 22 and a washed first activated cellulose stream 24.

[0043] Wash water 20 may be hot water, such as water at a temperature between about 40°C and 100°C or between about 50°C and 95°C. Waste water stream 22 may be treated and recycled in the process or elsewhere or discarded.

[0044] Wash reactor 18 may be any design known in the art. Optionally, wash reactor 18 may be operated counter-currently and it may be a counter-current belt filter. Other filtration or separation methods may be used such as a filter press, twin wire press, twin roll press, rotary vaccum filter or a centrifuge.

[0045] As exemplified in Figure 1 , washed first activated cellulose stream 24 may be fed to reactor 26 wherein washed first activated cellulose stream 24 is subjected to a second activation step to produce a second activated cellulose stream 30. In alternate embodiments, some or all of first activated cellulose stream may be introduced into reactor 26. The following description is based on Figure 1 which exemplifies the use of a first wash step. In the second activation step, washed first activated cellulose stream 24 may be treated with an alkali at a lower temperature than the first activation step to produce a second activated cellulose stream comprising cellulose IV.

[0046] Reactor 26 may be batch reactor or a continuous process reactor. In the case of a batch reactor, washed first activated cellulose stream 24 may be fed to reactor 26 and the reactor, which may be a stirred tank reactor, may be raised to the operating conditions for a desired time. If reactor 26 is a continuous flow reactor, then it may be a steam exposition reactor as is known in the art and may be maintained at the desired operating condition.

[0047] The second activation step may be conducted under conditions that increase the amount of cellulose IV in the second activated cellulose stream relative to the amount of cellulose IV in the washed first activated cellulose stream 24.

[0048] The temperature is optionally greater than 60°C, and may be less than about 180°C, less than about 160°C, less than 140°C, less than about 120°C, less than about 100°C or less than about 80°C. Accordingly the process may be conducted at a temperature in the range of 60°C - 180°C, 60°C - 160°C, 60°C - 140°C, 60°C - 120°C, 60°C - 100°C or 60°C - 80°C.

[0049] Optionally, the second activation step is conducted at superatmospheric pressure. For example, the superatmospheric pressure may be a pressure between about 0.1 and 400 psig.

[0050] Washed first activated cellulose stream 24 may be subjected to the second activation step for less than less than 180 minutes, less than 120 minutes, less than 90 minutes or less than 60 minutes and optionally more than 15 minutes, more than 30 minutes, or more than 45 minutes. The duration of the treatment time will vary depending upon many factors including severity of the activation step, e.g., the temperature and pressure of reactor 26.

[0051 ] It will be appreciated that the temperatures, pressures and duration of treatment may be combined in any desired combination. Accordingly, for exam ple, the second activation step may comprise subjecting the first activated cellulose stream to a temperature between 60 and 240°C for 15 to 120 minutes at a pressure of 0 to 500 psig or a temperature between 80 and 150 °C for at least 60 minutes at a pressure of 0 to 300 psig.

[0052] As exemplified in Figure 1 , the second activation step preferably comprises treating the first activated cellulose stream in the presence of an alkali. The alkali may be introduced into reactor 26 in any manner. For example, as exemplified, alkali stream 28 is introduced separately into reactor 26. It will be appreciated that alkali stream 28 may be introduced into reactor 26 prior to, concurrently with or subsequent to the introduction of washed first activated cellulose stream 24 into reactor 26. Alternately alkali stream 28 may be introduced into washed first activated cellulose stream 24 and a combined stream then introduced into reactor 26.

[0053] The alkali may comprise one or more of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide and ammonia. In one embodiment, the alkali is sodium hydroxide. In one embodiment, the alkali is loaded at between about 10% and 1 %, between about 7% and 2% or preferably less than 6% of the total insoluble solids in first activated cellulose stream 24. The alkali swells cellulose and further breaks inter and intramolecular hydrogen bonds of the cellulose, thereby further modifying crystalline structure.

[0054] Optionally, the second activating step may be performed in the presence of an oxidizing agent and/or an enzyme such as a laccase and/or a lignin modifying enzyme.

[0055] Examples of oxidizing agents suitable for use in the second activation step include, but are not limited to hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ 0 ₂ ). In one embodiment, the oxidizing agent is loaded at less than about 2% and/or greater than about 0.0001 % of the total insoluble solids in the first activated cellulose stream 16/24. In one embodiment, the oxidizing agent is loaded at less than about 1 %, less than about 0.1 % or less than about 0.001 % of the total insoluble solids in the first activated cellulose stream 16/24, optionally between about 1 % and 0.0001 %.

[0056] Examples of enzymes suitable for use in the second activation step include, but are not limited to lignin modifying enzymes such as laccase oxidizing enzyme. [0057] Second activated cellulose stream 30 may have a solids content of between about 5% and 50% solids by weight, preferably between about 20% and 35% solids. The solids will comprise chiefly cellulose which may optionally be recovered and recycled. Other components will be hemicellulose and lignin, both less than 20%.

[0058] Optionally, second activated cellulose stream 30 may be subjected to one or more washing steps after activation to remove alkali and solubilized lignin.

[0059] Second activated cellulose stream 30 and wash water 34 may be introduced to wash reactor 32 to produce waste water 36 and a washed second activated cellulose stream 38. Wash reactor 32 may be operated in a similar manner to wash reactor 18 or differently.

[0060] Wash water 34 may be hot water, such as water at a temperature between about 50°C and 95°C or between about 60°C and 95°C. Waste water stream 36 may be treated and recycled in the process or elsewhere or discarded.

[0061 ] Wash reactor 32 may be any design known in the art. Optionally, wash reactor 32 may be operated counter-currently and it may be a counter-current belt filter. Other filtration or separation methods may be used, such as filter press, twin wire press, twin roll press, rotary vacuum filter or centrifuge.

[0062] An advantage of subjecting a cellulosic feedstock to a first activation step at a high temperature followed by a second activation step at a lower temperature under alkali conditions has been shown to increase the level of glycan and decrease the level of lignin in second activated cellulose stream 30 relative to a feedstock only subjected to a first high temperature activation step. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that the two-step activation process described herein alters the crystallinity of cellulose in the feedstock and improves the physical and/or chemical characteristics of the cellulose for enzymatic hydrolysis. In one embodiment, the two-step activation process results in activated cellulose comprising cellulose II and alkali-cellulose IV.

[0063] A skilled person will appreciate that cellulose exists in several different crystalline structures, corresponding to the location of hydrogen bonds between and within strands. For example, naturally occurring cellulose found in cellulosic biomass is cellulose I, with structures l _a and l _p . Cellulose in regenerated cellulose fibers is typically cellulose II. Regenerated cellulose fibers refers to fibers produced by the viscose process for viscose production of cellophane or rayon. The conversion of cellulose I to cellulose I I is irreversible. The structures of cellulose III and cellulose IV may be produced through various chemical treatments. The different crystalline forms of cellulose can be identified by characteristic X-ray diffraction patterns. Cellulose and the different crystalline structures of cellulose are further described in Perez and Samain, "Structure and Engineering of Cellulose" /Advances in Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biochemistry, Vol. 64, Elsevier (2010), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0064] Washed second activated cellulose stream 38 may be subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis in enzymatic hydrolysis reactor 40 with one or more cellulase enzymes 42 to produce a glucose-rich sugar stream 44. It will be appreciated that some or all of second activated cellulose stream 30 may be subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis and accordingly only a part or none of second activated cellulose stream 30 may be subjected to washing. The following description may apply to second activated cellulose stream 30 whether or not subjected to a washing step.

[0065] It has surprisingly been determined that the activated cellulose containing cellulose II (which may be a combination of cellulose II and hydrated cellulose II) and cellulose IV (which may be alkali-cellulose IV) which may be produced by the two step activation process disclosed herein is particularly susceptible to enzymatic hydrolysis. In particular, the activated cellulose has shown a surprising ability to adsorb cellulase enzymes. Contacting the activated cellulose with one or more cellulase enzymes in a glucose rich sugar stream may initially result in the enzymes being adsorbed to the activated cellulose. The cellulose may then be removed from the glucose-rich sugar stream and optionally introduced into enzymatic hydrolysis reactor 40.

[0066] Therefore, the activated cellulose produced by any method disclosed herein may be subject to enzymatic hydrolysis to break the cellulose down into cellulosic sugars such as glucose. Alternately the enzymatic hydrolysis process disclosed herein may be used with any conventional enzymatic hydrolysis cellulosic feedstock.

[0067] Accordingly, activated cellulose, optionally a second activated cellulose stream as described herein may be contacted with one or more cellulase enzymes to produce the glucose-rich sugar stream. As exemplified in Figure 1 , washed second activated cellulose stream 30 and enzyme stream 42 are introduced into enzymatic hydrolysis reactor 40 to produce glucose rich sugar stream 44. Washed second activated cellulose stream 30 may be introduced into enzymatic hydrolysis reactor 40 prior to, concurrently with or subsequent to the introduction of enzyme stream 42 into reactor 40. Alternately, or in addition, enzyme stream 42 may be introduced into washed second activated cellulose stream 30 and the combined stream may be introduced into enzymatic hydrolysis reactor 40.

[0068] Enzymatic hydrolysis reactor 40 may be any enzymatic hydrolysis reactor known in the art and may operate on a batch or continuous basis. Enzymatic hydrolysis reactor 40 may operate at any conventional temperatures and pressures, cellulose loading, enzyme loading and the like. For example, enzymatic hydrolysis reactor 40 may operate at a temperature range of 40°C to 55°C.

[0069] The cellulase enzymes may be selected to break cellulose down into monomeric sugars. For example, the cellulase enzymes may be selected to hydrolyze 1 ,4-beta-D-glycosidic linkages into monosaccharides. The one or more cellulase enzymes may comprise an enzyme with at least one of cellobiohydrolase, endoglucanase and beta-glucosidase activity. While cellulase enzyme preparations may be isolated from a number of sources such as natural cultures of bacteria, yeast or fungi a person skilled in the art will appreciate using enzymes produced using recombinant techniques. Examples of commercially available enzymes suitable for use with the methods described herein include, but are not limited to, Novozymes Ctec 2 or 3, AB Enzymes Rohament.

[0070] The one or more cellulase enzymes may be added at a loading of 0.1 to 120 mg, 0.2 to 60 mg or 1 to 30 mg of enzyme protein per gram of glucan. In one embodiment, the cellulase enzymes are added at a loading of 0.1 to 5 mg of enzyme protein per gram of glucan in the activated cellulose. In one embodiment, the one or more cellulase enzymes are added to the activated cellulose at a loading of about 2 to about 60 Filter Paper Units (FPU)/g of glucan, or optionally at a loading of about 2 to 30 or 1 to 15 FPU/g of glucan. The one or more cellulase enzymes may be added separately to the activated cellulose directly or first combined with a surfactant and/or dispersant as described subsequently.

[0071 ] The one or more cellulase enzymes may be contacted with the activated cellulose for a suitable length of time (e.g., for between 24-144 hours, between 48-144 hours, between 48-60 hours or between 24 and 72 hours) to in order to convert the cellulose into monomeric sugars through enzymatic hydrolysis.

[0072] In some embodiments, at least about 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or

95% of the theoretical yield of glucose based on the glycan content of the activated cellulose is converted to glucose during enzymatic hydrolysis to produce a glucose- rich sugar stream. In some embodiments, enzymatic hydrolysis is conducted for a predetermined length of time or until a predetermined yield of glucose is obtained. After a certain amount of time, the rate of glucose production from the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose may decrease as the cellulose substrate is depleted or the presence of glucose inhibits the activity of the cellulase enzymes.

[0073] Optionally, an activated cellulose may be contacted with one or more cellulase enzymes in the presence of a surfactant and/or a dispersant. In a preferred embodiment, the dispersant is polyaspartic acid.

[0074] It has surprisingly been determined that subjecting activated cellulose, particularly the activated cellulose disclosed herein, to enzymatic hydrolysis in the presence of a surfactant and/or a dispersant such as polyaspartic acid offers a number of advantages for the production of monomeric sugars. For example, the presence of the surfactant and/or dispersant may increase cellulase enzyme stability, help protect the cellulase enzymes from degradation, prevent irreversible binding and/or improve cellulase enzyme activity. The presence of the surfactant and/or dispersant is also believed to improve the recovery of cellulase enzymes into an enzyme recycle stream following enzymatic hydrolysis. For example, in some embodiments cellulase enzymes may be used for the enzymatic hydrolysis of activated cellulose, removed from the resulting glucose-rich sugar stream and recycled to enzymatic hydrolysis reactor 40 or contacted with fresh activated cellulose for further enzymatic hydrolysis. In some embodiments, cellulase enzymes may be used and recycled in at least 3 or 4 rounds of enzymatic hydrolysis, each cycle lasting between 48 and 72 hours.

[0075] The surfactant may be a non-ionic surfactant, optionally a polysorbate surfactant such as Tween. The surfactant may also be a blend of surfactants. In a preferred embodiment the surfactant is a blend of Tween 80, an alkoxylated glyceride and nonyl phenol. In one embodiment, the surfactant is present at a loading of less than about 2% and/or greater than about 0.01 %. In one embodiment, the surfactant is present at a loading between 1 % and 0.01 %, between 0.5% and 0.05% or between about 0.1 % and 0.2% of the weight of the cellulose content in the activated cellulose.

[0076] The dispersant may be an oligopeptide, optionally a non-enzymatic polypeptide with molecular weight between 500 and 10,000 or between 1000 and 5000. The oligopeptide may be polyaspartic acid. The polyaspartic acid may have a molecular weight between 500 and 10,000, between 1000 and 5000 or between 3500 and 4500. The polyaspartic acid may be present at a loading of less than about 2% and/or greater than about 0.001 % of the weight of the cellulose content in the activated cellulose. In some embodiments, the polyaspartic acid is present at a loading between 1 % and 0.001 %, between 0.25% and 0.025%, or about 0.1 % of the weight of the cellulose content in the activated cellulose.

[0077] Optionally, the ratio of surfactant to dispersant (e.g., polyaspartic acid) in the enzymatic hydrolysis mix is from 0.1 : 1 to 10: 1 , optionally from 0.5: 1 to 2: 1 .

[0078] Optionally, the molar ratio of dispersant (e.g., polyaspartic acid) to the one or more cellulase enzymes is from 0.01 to 10: 1 .

[0079] Accordingly, an enzymatic hydrolysis mix comprising one or more cellulase enzymes, one or more surfactants and one or more dispersants may be used in any enzymatic hydrolysis process or may be used in association with any of the activation and enzymatic hydrolysis processes disclosed herein. The enzymatic hydrolysis mix is particularly suitable for the enzymatic hydrolysis of activated cellulose comprising cellulose II and cellulose IV as described herein. [0080] The one or more cellulase enzymes, the surfactant and the dispersant may be introduced singularly or in combinations or sub-combinations into enzymatic hydrolysis reactor 40. For example, they may each be combined separately with the activated cellulose (e.g., each may be sequentially added to stream 38 or stream 38 may be divided into 3 streams and the cellulase enzymes, the surfactant and the dispersant may each be added to one of the divided out streams) prior to introducing stream 38 into reactor 40. Alternatively, the one or more cellulase enzymes, the surfactant and the dispersant may be combined together to form stream 42 prior to combining the mixture with the activated cellulose (e.g., introducing stream 42 into reactor 40 or introducing stream 42 into stream 38 prior to introducing stream 38 into reactor 40). Combining the enzymes, surfactant and the dispersant together prior to contacting the activated cellulose is believed to facilitate the formation of a ternary complex that helps stabilize the enzyme and prevent enzyme degradation. Accordingly, the one or more cellulase enzymes may be combined with the surfactant and the dispersant prior to subjecting the activated cellulose to enzymatic hydrolysis. For example, the one or more cellulase enzymes may be combined with the surfactant and the dispersant for at least 5 seconds, at least 10 seconds, at least 30 seconds or at least 1 minute prior to contacting them with the activated cellulose (e.g., stream 38) or prior to subjecting the activated cellulose to enzymatic hydrolysis.

[0081 ] As exemplified in Figure 1 , glucose-rich sugar stream 44 may be subjected to an enzyme removal step to obtain a glucose-rich and enzyme-poor sugar stream 48 and an enzyme recycle stream 50. The enzyme removal step may be any enzyme removal step known in the art and may be conducted in any equipment known in the art. Optionally, the enzyme removal step comprises contacting glucose-rich sugar stream 44, e.g., for a limited time, with cellulose, which may be an activated cellulose produced by any method disclosed herein.

[0082] For example, the enzyme removal step may comprise:

(a) contacting the glucose-rich sugar stream including enzymes with cellulose and obtaining cellulose with enzymes adsorbed thereon; and, (b) subjecting the glucose-rich sugar stream to a cellulose removal step to obtain the glucose-rich and enzyme poor sugar stream which has a reduced level of cellulose and the enzyme recycle stream.

[0083] Optionally, step (a) comprises contacting the glucose-rich sugar stream with activated cellulose, optionally a second activated cellulose stream produced according to methods described herein.

[0084] Without being limited by theory, it is believed that enzymes in the glucose-rich sugar stream adsorb onto the cellulose such that removing the cellulose from the glucose-rich sugar stream removes enzymes from the stream and results in glucose-rich and enzyme-poor sugar stream 48 and enzyme recycle stream 50. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cellulase enzymes in the glucose-rich sugar stream are in the presence of a surfactant and a dispersant and the enzymes in glucose-rich sugar stream 44 are removed by contacting glucose rich sugar stream 44 with activated cellulose 16, 24, 30, 38 produced using the methods described herein.

[0085] Accordingly a cellulose stream 52 may be introduced into reactor 46. Reactor 46 may comprise any reactor which may enable glucose-rich sugar stream 44 and cellulose to contact each other so as to withdraw enzymes from the solution and to separate the cellulose with the enzymes absorbed thereon. Accordingly, for example, reactor 46 may comprise a stirred tank reactor or a plug flow reactor for mixing the glucose-rich sugar stream and cellulose to produce a mixed stream 54.

[0086] The glucose-rich sugar stream and cellulose may be contacted together for less than about 2 hours, less than about 90 minutes or less than about 60 minutes and may be contacted together for between about 10 minutes and 60 minutes, or between about 30 minutes and 90 minutes.

[0087] Subsequently, mixed stream 54 is subjected to a solid liquid separation step is a separator 56. Separator 56 may be any separator known in the arts. Separator 56 may use any separation technique known in the art such a filtration, decantation, gravity separation, centrifugation, or use of a press. For Example, separator 56 may comprise a filter, press, optionally a twin screw press, a twin wire press or a twin roll press. [0088] Enzyme recycle stream 50 may be a high solids stream. For example, enzyme recycle stream may comprise greater than about 30%, greater than about 40% or greater than about 50% cellulosic solids.

[0089] Enzyme recycle stream 50 may be used for conducting enzymatic hydrolysis on fresh activated cellulose. Alternately, enzyme recycle stream 50 may be recycled to reactor 40. Accordingly, if reactor 40 is operated on a batch basis, a purge stream of glucose-rich sugar stream may be withdrawn and treated to obtain recycle stream 50. Surprisingly, it has been determined that enzymes recycled by this process generally maintain their activity after being recycled once, twice, three times or even four times. As a result, glucose-rich sugar stream 48 may comprise greater than about 12% glucose, greater than about 14% glucose, greater than about 16% glucose or greater than about 18% glucose. Further, a yield of glucose that is greater than about 70%, greater than about 80%, greater than about 85%, greater than about 90% or greater than about 95% of a theoretical yield of glucose may be obtained.

[0090] Optionally, glucose-rich sugar stream 48 may comprises a detectable level of polyaspartic acid. In one embodiment, the sugar stream comprises between about 1 ppb and 10000 ppm polyaspartic acid.

[0091 ] It has surprisingly been found that the glucose-rich sugar stream resulting from the enzymatic hydrolysis of the activated cellulose disclosed herein contains about 5% non-glucose sugars which are one or more of xylose, oligomers of xylose (xylo-oligosaccharide) and xylan. Xylo-oligosaccharides as described herein refer to polymers of xylos having a degree of polymerization (dp) of about 2 to about 10. Xylan as described herein refers to polymers of xylose having a degree of polymerization (dp) of >10.

[0092] In a particular aspect the enzymatic hydrolysis of the activated cellulose may be carried out using the hydrolysis mix as disclosed herein. In a further aspect the glucose rich sugar stream is prepared using the cellulose activation method and/or the enzyme hydrolysis method described herein.

[0093] Glucose obtained from sources such as corn using standard methods are also known to have about 5% non-glucose sugars. However, the non-glucose sugars found in corn glucose are higher glycemic index sugars such as maltose, maltotriose, higher saccharides of dextrose.

[0094] In one embodiment the non-glucose sugars found in the glucose rich sugar stream disclosed herein comprise about 1-8%, about 2-7% or about 3-6% of the dry matter of the composition and are one or more of xylose, xylo- oligosaccharides and xylan. In a particular embodiment the dry matter of the glucose-rich sugar stream was found to comprise 95% glucose, 4% xylose, 1 % xylo- oligosaccharides.

[0095] Glucose obtained from the methods disclosed herein can be converted to fructose using known methods such as glucose isomerization to fructose as described, for example, by S.Z. Dziedzic et al., "Handbook of starch hydrolysis products and their derivatives" December 31 , 1995, pages 55-58, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. It has been found that the fructose obtain from conversion of the glucose of obtained from the methods disclosed herein also contains about 3-5% non-glucose sugar wherein the non-glucose sugar is xylose and/or oligomers of xylose.

[0096] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention there is provided a fructose-rich sugar stream prepared by conversion of the glucose in the glucose-rich sugar stream disclosed herein to fructose. The fructose-rich sugar stream also comprises non-fructose sugar, wherein the non-fructose sugar is one or more of xylose, xylo-oligosaccharide and xylan. In one embodiment the non-fructose sugars comprise about 1-8%, about 2-7% or about 3-6% of the dry matter of the composition.

[0097] In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a lower glycemic index glucose product or lower glycemic index fructose product wherein the glucose product or fructose product comprises about 1-8%, about 2-7% or about 3-6% preferably 5% non-glucose or non-fructose sugar and wherein the non-glucose or non-fructose sugar is one or more of xylose, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylan.

[0098] In a further aspect the glycemic index of the glucose product or fructose product is lower than the glycemic index of conventional glucose or fructose syrup produced in a conventional manner. The glycemic index (Gl) can be measured using methods known in the art for example as described in "In vitro method for predicting glycemic index of foods using simulated digestion and an artificial neural network" R. L. Magaletta et al., Cereal Chemistry vol. 87, no. 4, 2010.

[0099] The glucose product or fructose product obtained by the methods described herein can be substituted for higher glycemic index glucose or fructose in production of various foods and drinks to provide a lower glycemic index product. Lower glycemic index foods and drinks may provide health advantages in the management of blood sugar and insulin levels which may in turn reduce the risk of heart disease and/or diabetes. Foods having a lower glycemic index may also be useful in controlling appetite and weight loss.

[00100] It will be appreciated that one or more of the embodiments described herein for the activation of a cellulosic feedstock may be used together with one or more embodiments described herein for the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose in order to produce cellulosic sugars from a cellulosic feedstock.

[00101 ] What has been described above has been intended to be illustrative of the invention and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

[00102] While the above disclosure generally describes the present application, a more complete understanding can be obtained by reference to the following specific examples. These examples are described solely for the purpose of illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Changes in form and substitution of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances might suggest or render expedient. Although specific terms have been employed herein, such terms are intended in a descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

[00103] The following non-limiting examples are illustrative of the present disclosure: EXAMPLES

Example 1 : Treatment of Sugarcane Bagasse for Activating Cellulose

[00104] Various methods for activating cellulose were investigated using sugarcane bagasse. Sugarcane bagasse was subjected to either a first steam treatment step 220°C, 5 minutes residence time followed by a hot water wash using water at 80°C or a first steam treatment followed by treatment with alkaline hydrogen peroxide. Alkali wash at 90°C, 60 minutes or 120 minutes, and 1 % peroxide loading on solids.

[00105] As shown in Table 1 , the use of the two-step treatment with a steam treatment step followed by alkaline hydrogen peroxide significantly increased the level of glucan and decreased the amount of lignin relative to treatment with steam and a hot water wash.

Table 1 : Influence of alkaline peroxide treatment on the chemical composition of the water insoluble component of steam pretreated and subsequently hot water washed sugarcane bagasse* (% dry weight). AHP-60 and AHP-120 refer to 60 minute and 120 minute treatments. Example 2: Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Activated Sugarcane Bagasse

[00106] The water insoluble cellulosic components prepared in Example 1 were then subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis for 72 hours. Comet additive S-001 , comprising a mixture of a surfactant Tween 80 and a dispersant polyaspartic acid with a MW of 3500-4500 in a 1 : 1 ratio was also added to the enzymatic hydrolysis mix for the alkali treated sugar cane bagasse.

[00107] As shown in Table 2, enzymatic hydrolysis of alkali treated sugar bagasse in the presence of the Comet additive S-001 resulted in a glucose yield of 105.1 grams of glucose per gram of glucan, approaching the theoretical yield of ~1 10 grams of glucose per gram of glucan.

Table 2: Monomeric glucose yield after the 72 hour enzymatic hydrolysis of the water insoluble cellulosic component of steam pretreated and subsequently alkaline peroxide treated sugarcane bagasse (expressed as g per 100g glucan**).

[00108] Furthermore, as shown in Table 3, enzymatic hydrolysis in the presence of Comet additive S-001 did not alter the yield of monomeric xylose compared to alkali treated sugarcane bagasse subject to enzymatic hydrolysis without the additive. Accordingly, the additive did not adversely affect the yield.

Table 3: Monomelic xylose yield after the 72 hour enzymatic hydrolysis* of the water insoluble cellulosic component of steam pretreated and subsequently alkaline peroxide treated sugarcane bagasse (expressed as g per 100g substrate**).

[00109] Analysis of the fraction of the total protein content present in the supernatant after 72 hours of enzymatic hydrolysis is shown in Table 4. The use of Comet additive S-001 resulted in a higher fraction of total protein, indicative of the higher levels of enzymes within the supernatant and improved enzyme stability.

Table 4: Fraction of the total protein present in the supernatant after 72 hours (expressed as g per 100g protein added**).

[001 10] The alkali treated sugarcane bagasse was subject to multiple rounds of recycle hydrolysis in the presence of Comet additive S-001 . As shown in Table 5, recycle hydrolysis was able to produce a high yield and a high concentration of glucose with minimal loss of enzymes over repeated rounds of enzymatic hydrolysis.

**Cellulase loading: 31 mg protein per g of glucan added in the beginning of the hydrolysis. 0.2% S-001 in the reaction mixture, 6 mg supplement enzyme protein per recycle

***expressed as g/100g substrate.100 g substrate should theoretically release 4.1g xylose (refer to Table 1 for xylan content).

****Values in the bracket represent standard deviations of triplicates

*****Does not account for enzyme adsorbed onto substrate

Table 5: Results of the recycle hydrolysis (Total 16% glucan)* of the water insoluble cellulosic component of steam pretreated and subsequently alkaline peroxide treated sugarcane bagasse.

Example 3: Treatment of Wheat Straw for Activating Cellulose

[001 1 1 ] Methods for activating a cellulose feedstock were investigated using wheat straw. Wheat straw was subjected to a first steam treatment step at 220°C, 5 minute residence time, followed by a hot water wash at 80°C, followed by alkaline wash at 90°C for 60 minutes and 1 % peroxide loading on solids.

[001 12] As shown in Table 6, the use of the two-step treatment with alkaline hydrogen peroxide resulted in water insoluble components with a high level of glucan (75.1 %).

Table 6: Chemical composition of the water insoluble component of steam pretreated and subsequently alkaline peroxide treated wheat straw* (% Dry weight) Example 4: Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Activated Wheat Straw

The water insoluble cellulosic components of steam treated wheat straw or steam treated and subsequently alkali treated wheat straw were subject to enzymatic hydrolysis as shown in Tables 7-9. The surfactant Tween 80 was also added, as noted in the table.

Table 7: Monomeric glucose yield during the enzymatic hydrolysis (10% glucan loading)* of the water insoluble cellulosic component of steam pretreated and subsequently alkaline peroxide treated wheat straw (expressed as g per 100g glucan**).

Table 8: Monomeric xylose yield after the 72 hour enzymatic hydrolysis*** (10% glucan loading)* of the water insoluble cellulosic component of steam pretreated and subsequently alkaline peroxide treated wheat straw (expressed as g per 100g substrate**)

Alkaline peroxide treated wheat straw 14.1 (0.2)

Alkaline peroxide treated wheat straw + 13.9 (0.1)

Tween 80

Table 9: Dissolved solids present in the 72 hour enzymatic hydrolysate of steam pretreated and subsequently alkaline peroxide treated wheat straw (% wt/wt)

[001 13] Further investigations of the enzymatic hydrolysis of steam treated and subsequently alkaline peroxide treated wheat straw with the addition of a surfactant (Tween 80) were performed as set out in Tables 10-12.

Table 10: Monomeric glucose yield during the fed-batch enzymatic hydrolysis (10% glucan loading)* of the water insoluble cellulosic component of steam pretreated and subsequently alkaline peroxide treated wheat straw with the addition of Tween 80 (expressed as g per 100g total glucan **).

Table 1 1 : Monomeric xylose yield during the fed-batch enzymatic hydrolysis (10% glucan loading) of the water insoluble cellulosic component of steam pretreated and subsequently alkaline peroxide treated wheat straw expressed as g per 100g total substrate used for hydrolysis in every stage). Batch

Fed batch hydrolysis* hydrolysis**

After first After the After the After the At the end 36 hours next 24 next 24 next 24 of 72 hours

hours hours hours

Fraction of

the 61 .6 (1 .1 ) 63.3 (0.5) 63.1 (1 .7) 66.2 (2.4) 72.7 (2.8) total

proteins in

the liquid

*31.1 mg protein loading/g cellulose in the beginning of first batch of hydrolysis and 3.1 mg protein/g cellulose before the addition of every fresh batch of substrates. 10% glucan

consistency in the first 36 hours followed by the addition of 10% glucan in every subsequent 24 hours. **Protein loading: 31.1 mg/g cellulose & 10% glucan consistency

Table 12: Fraction of the total protein present in the supernatant prior to the addition of every batch of fresh substrates and enzymes (expressed as % of the total protein added**).

Example 5

[001 14] A cellulosic glucose product produced by the activation and enzymatic conversion methods described herein was prepared and was deteremined to have the following specifications:

Chemical and Physical Data

Total solids 50-70%

Moisture 30-50%

Composition (dry matter basis):

Glucose 95%

Xylose 4%

Xylo-oligosaccharides 1 %

Ash <0.01 %

pH: 3-5

Conductivity: (30% DS) 50 με/ η

Specific gravity: 1 .2

Appearance: clear solution

Odor: sweet

Mineral Ash Content (PPM)

Chloride 16

Sulphate <1 Calcium

Potassium

Magnesium

Sodium

Phosphorous

[001 15] Glycemic Index Data

[001 16] The cellulosic glucose product having the composition described above was found to have a glycemic index (Gl) of 72. By comparison glucose alone is known to have a glycemic index of 100. Dextrose is also known to have a glycemic index of 100 while maltose and maltodextrin are known to have glycemic indexes of 105 and 1 10 respectively.

[001 17] The present disclosure has been described with reference to what are presently considered to be the examples, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed examples. To the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[001 18] All publications, patents and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety.