Creation of an ultra scale-down bioreactor mimic for rapid development of lignocellulosic enzymatic hydrolysis processes.

Background: Cellulosic bioethanol processes involve several steps, all of which require experimental optimisation. A significant aid to this research would be a validated ultra scale-down (USD) model that could be used to perform rapid, wide ranging screening and optimisation experiments using limited materials under process relevant conditions.

Results: In this work, the use of 30 mL shaken conical tubes as a USD model for an enzymatic hydrolysis process is established.