Novel Routes in Transformation of Lignocellulosic Biomass to Furan Platform Chemicals: From Pretreatment to Enzyme Catalysis

Abstract

<jats:p>The constant depletion of fossil fuels along with the increasing need for novel materials, necessitate the development of alternative routes for polymer synthesis. Lignocellulosic biomass, the most abundant carbon source on the planet, can serve as a renewable starting material for the design of environmentally-friendly processes for the synthesis of polyesters, polyamides and other polymers with significant value. The present review provides an overview of the main processes that have been reported throughout the literature for the production of bio-based monomers from lignocellulose, focusing on physicochemical procedures and biocatalysis. An extensive description of all different stages for the production of furans is presented, starting from physicochemical pretreatment of biomass and biocatalytic decomposition to monomeric sugars, coupled with isomerization by enzymes prior to chemical dehydration by acid Lewis catalysts. A summary of all biotransformations of furans carried out by enzymes is also described, focusing on galactose, glyoxal and aryl-alcohol oxidases, monooxygenases and transaminases for the production of oxidized derivatives and amines. The increased interest in these products in polymer chemistry can lead to a redirection of biomass valorization from second generation biofuels to chemical synthesis, by creating novel pathways to produce bio-based polymers.</jats:p>

Understanding the effects of different residual lignin fractions in acid-pretreated bamboo residues on its enzymatic digestibility

“…One tapped source of sustainable energy involves conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into platform chemicals (such as glucose, xylose and furfural) for conversion into bioenergy, biomaterials, or biochemicals [ 2 ]. The viability of this resource derives from the fact that lignocellulosic biomass predominantly comprises carbohydrates of cellulose and hemicellulose [ 3 – 5 ].…”

Prospects of Using Biocatalysis for the Synthesis and Modification of Polymers

“…Polyesters based on FDCA are a new class of biobased polymers of great interest, both from scientific and industrial perspectives [ 248 , 249 ]. Most FDCA is produced by the oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF, Figure 19 ) derived from hexose [ 250 ]. Although the chemical conversion is widely applied, the biocatalytic conversion is expected to be competitive due to the relatively mild condition and consumption of fewer toxic chemicals [ 251 ].…”

Recent Advances in Glycerol Catalytic Valorization: A Review

“…According to Figure 2, stabilization and a possible decline in biodiesel production are expected in the next decade, as stated by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This trend would be a consequence of second and third generation biofuel development and industrial application, with products obtained from non-edible sources [8][9][10][11][12][13]. In any case, future biodiesel production depends on several factors, such as raw material availability, internal policies, markets, etc., in some cases leading to a local production rise against the international trend, becoming a stable crude glycerol source [13].…”