The objective of bioengineering research is to acquire new understanding in broad-based aspects of applied process engineering research. Applying commercial enzyme preparation components to various pretreated biomass samples, both within and beyond the scope of established consortia, is also a key component of this research. Work will need to be extended to include comparative pretreatment analysis for multiple feedstocks (e. g., corn stover, switchgrass, and hybrid poplars) and additional pretreatment process impacts (e. g., identifying hydrolyzate conditioning requirements for different pretreatments).

The applied research program required will need to include advances in process applica­tion knowledge at two levels. The first will address process-related engineering research that converts new understanding from fundamental research to the biorefinery context. The sec­ond will use process-related engineering information to develop industry recommendations regarding process parameters, equipment, and operating conditions.