Biofuels Bioproducts & Biorefining-Biofpr最新文献

Eucalyptus globulus bark is a lignocellulosic byproduct from the pulp industry, traditionally used for energy production, with potential for biorefining and valorization. An effective pretreatment process is required for successful fractionation of major components of biomass (lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose). Choosing the pretreatment step is a major challenge in the development of lignocellulosic biorefineries. In this work, E. globulus bark was pretreated and fractionated using the acetone-based organosolv process. A Doehlert experimental design was used to evaluate the effects of time (60–180 min) and temperature (180–230 °C) of organosolv pretreatment on the fractionation of the main components and the enzymatic digestibility of cellulose. The results show that a noncatalyzed acetone organosolv process is suitable for the fractionation and valorization of E. globulus bark. Effective delignification, hemicellulose removal, and cellulose recovery and digestibility were achieved with a wide range of experimental conditions. Under the optimal organosolv conditions (60 min at 198 °C) a cellulose-to-glucose conversion of 95% was achieved after enzymatic hydrolysis, representing a production of 46 g of glucose per 100 g of bark. A considerable amount of lignin (>65%) can be recovered from the organosolv liquid stream obtained using the optimal conditions (15 g per 100 g of bark). In conclusion, a noncatalyzed acetone-based organosolv process effectively fractionates E. globulus bark and the pretreatment conditions can be adjusted to maximize both solid recovery and the enzymatic conversion of cellulose.

The sustainable production of jojoba oil derivatives depends on research and development focused on eco-friendly valorization processes. This study establishes optimal conditions for converting jojoba oil into jojobyl alcohols, which is a key step in realizing its economic potential. One of the main products, cis-13-docosenol (C13D), was investigated for its activity in the context of innate immune cells. The interactions between C13D and key components of the innate immune system – including monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs) – were examined to determine its immunomodulatory properties. Experiments using THP-1 cells and DCs showed that low doses of C13D stimulated production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) at levels similar to those induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Treatment of monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs) with C13D also enhanced T-cell proliferation, probably due to increased activation of surface markers. This focused investigation of the effects of C13D on innate immune cells contributes to a broader understanding of the therapeutic potential of jojoba oil and provides a basis for future research in immunology and biotechnology.

A techno-economic feasibility analysis was conducted for a biomass pyrolysis plant that utilized Eucalyptus to produce fertilizer-enriched biochar. Key parameters – biomass throughput, fertilizer loading, and selling price – were optimized for financial viability using net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), return on investment (ROI), and payback period (PP). Four case scenarios were assessed, focusing on energy and co-product utilization, particularly pyrolysis oil for herbicide production and synthesis gas for electricity generation. Results show that Scenario 2 (electricity generation from synthesis gas and wood vinegar combustion, with separate sale of the phenolic fraction) and Scenario 4 (separate sale of both wood vinegar and phenolic fractions) may be profitable, though their low IRR (1.1%) could deter investment. Optimization indicated that increasing biomass feed rates and reducing the fertilizer-to-biomass ratio may enhance economic outcomes. However, the high cost of enriched biochar relative to conventional fertilizers poses a significant challenge to both short- and long-term economic feasibility. These findings underscore the need for innovative strategies to improve the economic viability of biochar and to support its adoption among agricultural stakeholders.

Technological developments in biomass thermochemical processing have sparked global efforts to replace fossil fuel-based plastics with biobased polymers, with a particular focus on the building material market. The advantages of these bioplastics include reduced greenhouse gas emissions due to the long-term storage of biogenic carbon captured through photosynthesis in durable building components (carbon sequestration) and decreased dependence on finite, nonrenewable resources. Some grades remain biodegradable for simpler end-of-life disposal. We review current applications in construction of major bioplastics, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and critically compare their environmental and economic performance against petroleum-based counterparts using life cycle assessment (LCA) and technoeconomic analysis (TEA) from recent literature. Finally, we highlight advances in methodologies for quantifying the benefits of bioplastic integration and we identify research gaps to guide future work towards a renewable, low-carbon built environment.

The decarbonization of the chemical sector is challenging due to its dependence on fossil-based feedstocks and energy-intensive processes. The capture and utilization of biogenic CO₂ offer a promising route to carbon circularity and climate change mitigation through the production of renewable, high-value biochemicals. This study presents an integrated environmental and economic evaluation of emerging bioprocesses that convert biogenic CO₂ into value-added chemicals using gas and liquid fermentation pathways. Life cycle assessment and life cycle costing are employed to evaluate the environmental and economic performance. A hybrid multi-criteria decision-making framework, combining the Analytic Hierarchy Process and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution, ranks the alternatives based on their environmental, economic, and technological attributes. The results indicate that the pathways can achieve net-negative greenhouse gas emissions, ranging from −2.43 to −0.38 kg CO_2eq per kg of biochemical, primarily due to the permanent sequestration of biogenic carbon within the final products. Production costs, assessed at the pilot scale, vary between €15.17 and €23.21 per kg, highlighting the influence of scale and process configuration. The findings provide robust evidence of the environmental benefits and potential economic trade-offs associated with biogenic CO₂ utilization in the chemical industry, supporting its integration as a viable decarbonization pathway and facilitating the scale up of carbon capture and utilization technologies in alignment with low-carbon chemical manufacturing and energy transition goals.

Corncob residue is one of the most promising agro-residues for thermochemical applications due to its high heating value (17.21 MJ kg⁻¹), low ash content (3.70%), low sulfur content (0.11%), and strong physical integrity compared with other residues such as paddy straw, wheat straw, and mustard stalk. This study evaluates the technical and preliminary economic feasibility of utilizing corncob residue for thermochemical conversion, focusing on gasification and combustion. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of hydroxyl (OH), aliphatic (CH_n), and carbonyl (CO) functional groups, characteristic of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin structures. Ion chromatography showed the presence of a high chloride concentration (9786 mg kg⁻¹), a lower sulfate concentration (48 mg kg⁻¹), and a nitrate/nitrite concentration below 1000 mg k-g. Kinetic modeling using the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO), Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), Starink, and Friedman models estimated average activation energies of 111.31 kJ mol⁻¹ for the FWO model, 108.16 kJ mol⁻¹ for the KAS model, 108.08 kJ mol⁻¹ for the Starink model, and 114.64 kJ mol⁻¹ for the Friedman model. A conceptual biomass gasification process modeled in ASPEN Plus demonstrated that operating optimum conditions, i.e., at 0.2 equivalence ratio (ER) and 750 °C, produced syngas with CO (29.68 vol%), CH₄ (0.19 vol%), and H₂ (26.66 vol%), with a lower heating value of 6.69 MJNm⁻³. Economic assessment showed lower production costs in Andhra Pradesh with INR 5.65 kWh-1 for gasification and INR 6.03/kWh for combustion. This study highlights the potential of corncob residue for efficient gasification and combustion in sustainable energy production.

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is emerging as a transformative technology in wastewater valorization, transitioning from a biofuel production focus to a platform for generating tailored high-value products. This review explores the paradigm shift toward leveraging HTL to optimize biocrude composition for specific applications, fostering innovation in circular bioeconomy practices. Traditional wastewater treatment systems primarily aim at pollutant removal, often neglecting the significant resource recovery potential embedded within waste streams. Hydrothermal liquefaction disrupts this conventional approach by converting wet organic waste into biocrude, a versatile energy-dense mixture. Despite its promise, the inherent heterogeneity of biocrude has long hindered its downstream refining and application. This review emphasizes advancements in controlling HTL reaction conditions, such as temperature, pressure and residence time, to selectively enhance the yield of targeted chemical families within biocrude, simplifying refining processes and opening avenues for high-value applications. By integrating HTL with predictive modeling and fractionated biorefining techniques, the process scalability and product specificity are significantly improved, demonstrating its potential to redefine wastewater as a resource rather than a liability. This innovative approach underscores HTL’s critical role in driving the development of a circular bioeconomy, turning waste streams into tailored resources for energy, chemicals and material recovery.

Polyethylene furanoate (PEF) is a promising biobased polymer that offers a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-derived plastics. It is synthesized through the polymerization of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) andmonoethylene glycol (MEG), both of which can be derived from renewable biomass resources such as lignocellulosic feedstock, corn, and wheat. Its chemical structure introduces rigid furan rings that enhance its mechanical and thermal properties in comparison with polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Polyethylene furanoate possesses good barrier properties, excellent thermal stability, and low gas permeability, making it a suitable candidate for various applications, including packaging, textiles, and automotive components. This review provides an overview of the synthesis pathways for PEF, including chemical, biosynthesis, and emerging electrochemical methods. The environmental benefits of PEF are explored, emphasizing its lower carbon footprint, higher recyclability, and potential to replace PET in various industrial applications. The review also discusses the current challenges in scaling up PEF production, such as the high cost of FDCA, the need for efficient catalysts, and the optimization of polymerization processes. The article also examines the future outlook for PEF, considering its role in advancing green chemistry, circular economy initiatives, and sustainable polymer innovations. By integrating biobased monomers and innovative production techniques, PEF represents significant progress in reducing the environmental impact of polymer production and advancing the field of green chemistry.

Global coffee production is generating increasing amounts of spent coffee grounds each year. It is important to find efficient methods to repurpose this waste to reduce its environmental impact. The use of organic waste for practical applications is being explored increasingly in the context of sustainability. This study investigates the potential of utilizing spent coffee grounds in the formulation of eco-friendly fire-starting briquettes. Combined with beeswax, soy wax, paraffin, paper pulp, and 70% alcohol, coffee grounds can become an efficient combustible material, contributing to waste reduction and offering a sustainable alternative to commercial fire starters. The surface morphology and chemical composition of the fire-starting briquettes were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. Their heat-release performance was tested with microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). An optimal composition was achieved for fire-starting briquettes suitable both for igniting wood fires and as charcoal for barbecues and for sustaining combustion.

2-Phenylethanol (2-PE) is an alcohol with a rosy scent, commonly used as a fragrance, flavoring agent, and preservative in food and cosmetics. This study evaluates 2-PE bioproduction using apple pomace and whey as low-cost, biobased substrates for the growth of the yeast strain Kluyveromyces marxianus CBS600. Apple pomace resulted in the highest 2-PE productivity in shake flasks, reaching 44.5 mg.L⁻¹.h⁻¹-(1.07 g.L⁻¹ in 24 h), while its upscaling to a 1 L bioreactor led to 1.60 g.L⁻¹ in 48 h. Fermentation of acid whey supplemented with yeast extract and minerals for growth purposes significantly improved the bioconversion, leading to 2.64 g.L⁻¹ of 2-PE in 72 h. Using a membrane-based solvent extraction system, 2-PE was recovered efficiently from a glucose fermentation medium without impacting cell-specific product yield, showing promise for 2-PE recovery from waste-stream-based fermentation processes. The economic viability and environmental impacts of this process were also assessed based on process simulations of 2-PE fermentation at industrial scale. Techno-economic assessment showed that 2-PE production from whey was highly profitable, with a unit production cost of US$186 per kg and an internal rate of return of 24.9%. Life cycle analysis indicated that 2-PE fermentation has 1500 times lower greenhouse gas emissions than conventional 2-PE produced by extraction from roses. This study thus shows that the fermentative production of 2-PE is a sustainable and economically viable process that can contribute to a circular bioeconomy by valorizing agroindustrial residues.