i EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PRETREATMENT METHODS IN COMBINATION WITH THE ORGANOSOLV DELIGNIFICATION PROCESS AND ENZYMATIC HYDROLYSABILITY OF THREE FEEDSTOCKS IN CORRELATION WITH LIGNIN STRUCTURE by Yakindra Prasad Timilsena A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in Food Engineering and Bioprocess Technology Examination Committee: Prof. Sudip K. Rakshit (Chairperson) Prof. Athapol Noomhorm Dr. Anil Kumar Anal Prof. Nicolas Brosse (External Expert) Nationality: Nepalese Previous Degree: Bachelor's Degree in Technology (Food) Tribhuvan University Kathmandu, Nepal Scholarship Donor: World Bank (JJ/WBGSP) AIT Fellowship Asian Institute of Technology School of Environment, Resources and Development Thailand May 2012