Recent decades have seen the growth of immense interest in lignocellulosic biomass conversion technologies. This interest is motivated by their huge potential for energy and bioproduct generation and reduced dependency on non-renewable feedstocks, leading to improved air quality and reduced emission of greenhouse gases. It is in this context that the lignocellulose biorefi nery concept arises. Among the lignocellulose conversion technologies available, enzymatic conversion has emerged as a promising candidate, since it represents a biomass management approach that integrates recycling and remediation in an environmentally friendly manner. Although already in existence, biorefi neries employing enzymatic conversion of lignocellulose are at an incipient stage. There remain many operational diffi culties, resulting in a very costly overall process that is refl ected in product price, reducing market competitiveness. Therefore, much research is still needed to improve the operational and fi nancial feasibility of this process. This paper covers general biorefi nery concepts, as well as new and associated concepts, such as the circular economy, bioeconomy, and waste biorefi nery. Subsequently, the global outlook, including examples of currently existing enzyme-based lignocellulose biorefi neries and their status, is described. The main technical and economic challenges are also discussed, and various potential tools for the optimization of biomass degradation in enzyme-based biorefi neries are presented. Finally, the future perspectives for the sector are considered, and models of the ideal biorefi nery and globally integrated biorefi nery hubs are proposed. These models may contribute to the future establishment of such biorefi neries as competitive industries, consistent with the sustainable bioelectro economy paradigm. (Brazil). His research focuses on the valorization of Brazilian agroindustrial residues, mainly sugarcane bagasse, as substrate for enzyme synthesis and conversion into bioproducts. He is currently involved in the investigation of pretreatment technologies to enhance holocellulase production when employing lignocellulosic materials as substrate for filamentous fungi.
Raissa P. VazRaissa P. Vaz is a PhD student at the Department of Cell Biology of the University of Brasília (Brazil). Her work is focused mainly on immobilization, characterization, and applications of lignocellulose-degrading enzymes.
Edivaldo X.F. FilhoEdivaldo X.F. Filho is Professor of Biochemistry at the Department of Cell Biology of the University of Brasília (Brazil). He conducts research in the fields of biochemistry and biotechnology, investigating the production, purification, characterization, and biotechnology applications of lignocellulose-degrading enzymes from filamentous fungi.
