Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a chemical processing method that can convert corn residues into low-cost sugars, a vital ingredient in the production of biofuels and bioproducts, as reported by Interesting Engineering.
The team utilized a combination of potassium hydroxide and ammonium sulfite to pre-treat corn residues at moderate temperatures. This treatment softens the fibrous material, enabling enzymes to more easily break it down into sugars.