Recent advances in biotransformation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural: challenges and future aspects

Abstract

In a biorefinery process, 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a promising biomass-derived chemical with diverse industrial applications. The biotransformation of HMF to different high-valued furanic derivatives, such as 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, 2,5-diformylfuran, 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid, and 5-formyl-2-furancarboxylic acid, has led to the transition from fossil-derived products to bio-based chemicals through sustainable routes. Although, chemocatalytic conversion of HMF has been extensively studied in the recent years, the higher selectivity, environment friendliness, and mild reaction conditions of HMF bioconversion has established these processes as a promising alternative to harsh chemical conditions. To understand the present status and challenges of HMF bioconversion, this review retrospects and describes the recent advancements in the biotransformation of HMF and systematically assesses the recent findings and developments in the HMF biotransformation through various reaction schemes. Further, this review illustrates, in comprehensive detail, the merits and challenges of various biological processes and it proposes a few research trends for economical and facile HMF bioconversion for commercialization.

Surfactants produced from carbohydrate derivatives: A review of the biobased building blocks used in their synthesis

“…5‐HMF is obtained from the dehydration of hexoses by eliminating three water molecules (Figure 25) (L. Hu et al, 2020), having a significant potential for the biomass‐based chemical industry (Bozell & Petersen, 2010; Galkin & Ananikov, 2020; X. Kong et al, 2018; Q. S. Kong et al 2020), as shown in Figure 26. Several synthesis methods, including homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, have been proposed since the 1950s, and the number of articles related to this topic has increased in recent years (D. Hu et al, 2021; Kipshagen et al, 2019; Menegazzo et al, 2018; Rosatella et al, 2011; Saikia et al, 2021). The first industrial plant to produce 5‐HMF from renewable raw material in Muttenz, Switzerland, was announced in 2014 (Kläusli, 2014; van Putten et al, 2013), producing 20 tons per year.…”

“…26. Several synthesis methods, including homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, have been proposed since the 1950s, and the number of articles related to this topic has increased in recent years (D. Hu et al, 2021;Kipshagen et al, 2019;Menegazzo et al, 2018;Rosatella et al, 2011;Saikia et al, 2021). The first industrial plant to produce 5-HMF from renewable raw material in Muttenz, Switzerland, was announced in 2014 (Kläusli, 2014;van Putten et al, 2013), producing 20 tons per year.…”

Whole Cell Biocatalysis of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural for Sustainable Biorefineries

“…In fact, while chemocatalytic processes are still the main transformation strategy used, their application requires the use of metals (mostly noble) as catalysts and harsh operating conditions, generating hazardous by-products [17]. Considering these, and aiming at sustainable development, biocatalysis has been receiving increased attention due to its milder conditions, higher selectivity and environmental friendliness [18]. Moreover, considering these factors, the use of whole-cell biocatalysts presents advantages over enzyme biocatalysis, such as regeneration of co-factors and ease of catalyst recycling [19,20].…”

Microbial enzymes for green energy and clean environment

“…Additionally, in this special issue, the degradation and conversion of various emerging pollutants, including polyaromatic hydrocarbons, poly (ε-caprolactone), 5-hydroxymethyl furfural, plastic, polyesters, using microbes and enzymes have been well described. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] In addition to this various biomass, biopolymers including lignin, cellulose, and municipal-, industrial-, and agricultural-based pollutants were documented to convert into valuable products using enzymatic pathways. [13][14][15][16] The cutting-edge technologies of protein engineering and directed evolution have already minimized the cost of enzymatic transformation processes with higher product yield.…”