Valorization of Lignocellulosic and Microalgae Biomass

Abstract

Lignocellulosic biomass has gained increasing recognition in the past decades for the production of value-added products (VAPs). Biomass feedstocks obtained from various sources, their composition, and pretreatment techniques employed for delignification into bioenergy production are discussed. The conversion processes of biomass into VAPs involve various methods. Notable among them are biochemical conversions; namely, anaerobic digestion and ethanol fermentation, and thermo-chemical conversions; namely, pyrolysis and gasification which are considered in this chapter. Microalgae can adapt to changes in the environment, producing biomass that serves as a precursor for a variety of biomolecules, such as proteins, which find their application in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biofuel industries. Suitable strains of freshwater microalgae biomass contain high levels of lipid which can be harnessed for bioenergy production. Hence, the advancement in the conversion of biomass into VAPs could help scientists and environmentalists for sustainable use of biomass in future developments.

Novel Trends in Application and Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Agricultural Waste

“…Agricultural crop residues, including wheat straw, rice straw, corn cobs and straw, are regarded as significant and plentiful renewable biomass resources (Armah et al, 2020). Interest in maize as a renewable and biodegradable feedstock is increasing in the age of the global energy crisis brought on by the depletion of fossil fuel resources and the rise in environmental pollution.…”

Enzymatic hydrolysis allows an integral valorization of Nannochloropsis oceanica resulting in the production of bioactive peptide extracts and an eicosapentaenoic acid enriched fraction

“…Microalgae production may offer several advantages for the environment and from an economic perspective, since they do not need cultivable land or intensive production factors to have a high growth rate, but also their production can be allied with industries that generate CO 2 , thus decreasing the gas release to the environment. [1] N. oceanica is a good protein source, with values ranging from 28.7% to 47.7%. However, it has a recalcitrant cell wall, decreasing protein bioavailability when ingested as a whole and limiting its extraction.…”

“…Microalgae production may offer several advantages for the environment and from an economic perspective, since they do not need cultivable land or intensive production factors to have a high growth rate, but also their production can be allied with industries that generate CO 2 , thus decreasing the gas release to the environment. [ 1 ]…”