MICROSCOPIC ANALYSIS OF SUGARCANE BAGASSE FOLLOWING CHEMICAL AND FUNGAL TREATMENT

Sugarcane is widely used as a raw material for producing sugar and alcohol. Bagasse is generated as a by-product and it is suitable for further degradation and fermentation for fuel generation. In the present study, the efficiency of alkaline pretreatments in the degradation of bagasse is assessed through microscopic analysis. Results reveal that the alkaline treatments expose the cellulose and hemicellulose residues in the bagasse fiber, enabling further fungus establishment. Penicillium colonization in the open fibers enhanced the biodegradation of sugarcane bagasse. The proposed methodology allows a detailed investigation of the deterioration process in the bagasse fibers - a vital step for biofuel production - as well as a comprehensive assessment of combined treatments.