Journal of Energy Bioscience 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 53-63 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 54 will also discuss the economic, environmental, and social sustainability of hemp as a bioenergy crop, providing insights into its potential for contributing to a sustainable future. 2 Hemp Biomass Composition 2.1 Key components: cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and other biopolymers Industrial hemp biomass is primarily composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, which are the key components for bioenergy applications. Cellulose, a polysaccharide consisting of glucose units, is the most abundant component and is crucial for bioethanol production due to its high fermentable sugar content (Zhao et al., 2020; Ji et al., 2021). Hemicellulose, another polysaccharide, consists of various sugar monomers and contributes to the overall sugar yield during biomass conversion (Zhao et al., 2020). Lignin, a complex aromatic polymer, provides structural integrity to the plant but poses challenges in biomass processing due to its recalcitrant nature (Moscariello et al., 2021). Additionally, other biopolymers such as pectin and proteins are present in smaller quantities and can be utilized in various bioproducts. 2.2 Factors affecting biomass yield: genetics, cultivation practices, and environmental factors The yield of hemp biomass is influenced by several factors, including genetics, cultivation practices, and environmental conditions. Genetic variations among hemp strains can lead to differences in biomass composition and yield, with some strains being more suitable for bioenergy applications due to higher cellulose content (Ji et al., 2021). Cultivation practices such as planting density, fertilization, and irrigation also play a significant role in determining biomass yield. Optimal agricultural practices can enhance the growth and biomass production of hemp plants (Moscariello et al., 2021). Environmental factors, including soil quality, temperature, and precipitation, further impact the overall yield and quality of hemp biomass. For instance, hemp's drought-resistant nature makes it a viable crop in regions with limited water availability, thereby ensuring consistent biomass production (Zhao et al., 2020). 2.3 Comparison with other bioenergy crops When compared to other bioenergy crops such as corn stover, sorghum bagasse, and switchgrass, industrial hemp demonstrates several advantages. Hemp biomass has a higher cellulose content, which translates to greater potential for bioethanol production (Zhao et al., 2020). Additionally, hemp's robust growth characteristics and adaptability to various environmental conditions make it a more resilient crop compared to others that may require more intensive agricultural inputs (Ji et al., 2021). The economic feasibility of hemp is further enhanced by its ability to produce valuable co-products such as hemp seed, oil, and fiber, which can offset the costs associated with bioenergy production (Moscariello et al., 2021). Moreover, preliminary calculations indicate that hemp can sustain high biodiesel and bioethanol yields, making it a competitive option in the bioenergy sector. 3 Hemp for Bioethanol Production 3.1 Process of converting hemp biomass into bioethanol The conversion of hemp biomass into bioethanol involves several key steps, starting with the pretreatment of the biomass to break down its complex structure. Pretreatment methods such as alkaline treatment with NaOH have been found effective in increasing the accessibility of cellulose and hemicellulose for subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis (Wawro et al., 2019; 2021). The pretreatment process aims to remove lignin and hemicellulose, thereby enhancing the digestibility of the cellulose fraction (Robak and Balcerek, 2018; Zhao et al., 2020). Following pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis is performed to convert the cellulose and hemicellulose into fermentable sugars, primarily glucose and xylose (Wawro et al., 2019; Chen et al., 2021). These sugars are then fermented by microorganisms, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, to produce bioethanol (Wawro et al., 2019; 2021). 3.2 Enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation pathways Enzymatic hydrolysis is a critical step in the bioethanol production process, where cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzymes break down the pretreated biomass into simple sugars. The efficiency of this step depends on factors such as enzyme type, concentration, temperature, and pH (Wawro et al., 2019; 2021). For instance, the use of commercial enzymes like AP2 has shown high efficiency in releasing reducing sugars from
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==