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