Hydrolysis experiments and SEM studies performed on different fraction of leaves, stalk fiber, stalk pith from corn show significant differences response to hot water pretreatment where the biomass is cooked in water at 190°C for 15 min. Pith is the most readily enzyme hydrolyzed fraction both before and after hot water pretreatment. After hot water pretreatment, glucose and xylose formation are significantly enhanced and accompanied by dramatic cell wall structural changes. Enzymatic hydrolysis on pretreated pith show that both glucose and xylose conversion can reach 90% in 24 hours at 60FPU/g glucan cellulase loading while pretreated leaves and fiber achieve only 70% and 50% respectively, under the same conditions. Pretreated leaves, fiber and pith have comparable lignin contents, but a 50% difference in hydrolysis of different fractions suggests lignin structure is an important parameter in determining extent of cellulose hydrolysis. The impact of pretreatment and cell wall features on the extent of cellulose hydrolysis is discussed. The utility of microstructural analysis in selecting combinations of pretreatment and enzyme hydrolysis conditions that maximize yields is presented.

Extended Abstract Status: Not Uploaded