The effect of microwave-NaOH pretreatment and hydrolysis enzyme using Trichoderma reesei-Aspergillus niger on rice straw bioethanol production

The process of bioethanol production from rice straw consists of two steps: (1) conversion of cellulose into simple sugars which is conducted by using microwave-NaOH pretreatment and straw hydrolysis using mold catalyst T. reesei and A. niger; and (2) fermentation of simple sugars into ethanol. In a microwave-NaOH pretreatment process has been obtained the best value content of cellulose in straw size of 100 mesh and a long exposure of 40 minutes for 72.70±1:10%. Crude cellulase enzyme activity of T. reesei isolation, A. niger and it mixtures were optimum at temperature of 50°C. The addition of crude enzyme from A. niger and T. reesei on a comparison of 1: 2 (v/v) was able to increase the yield of the rice straw cellulose hydrolysis which is produces sugar at 12.89 mg/ml (1.29% w/v) or 0.15% (w/v) when converted into ethanol. The glucose yield from rice straw was 25.47% with 3% ethanol.