In general, this extraction procedure
decreases both lignin and hemicellulose contents, modifies
the substrate structural organization (including cellulose crystallinity),
and induces biomass swelling, thereby improving the
substrate susceptibility to enzymatic hydrolysis [18]. In addition,
the alkaline pretreatment produces less inhibitory compounds to
enzymes and fermenting microorganisms compared to pretreatments
based on acid hydrolysis [