Review
Environmental Sciences
Samuel Gyebi Arhin, Alessandra Cesaro, Francesco Di Capua, Giovanni Esposito
Summary: Lignocellulosic materials (LCM) have potential as abundant feedstocks for biofuels and platform chemicals, but their complex nature and limited microbial utilization pose challenges. This review summarizes recent advances in the biological conversion of LCM to value-added products, including strategies to improve efficiency, decrease carbon losses, enhance co-metabolism and carbon-flux redirection using engineered microorganisms, and address specific product-related challenges. The perspectives provided here could guide future research in developing feasible and economically sustainable LCM-based biorefineries as a crucial step towards carbon neutrality.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Alvin B. Culaba, Andres Philip Mayol, Jayne Lois G. San Juan, Carlo L. Vinoya, Ronnie S. Concepcion, Argel A. Bandala, Ryan Rhay P. Vicerra, Aristotle T. Ubando, Wei-Hsin Chen, Jo-Shu Chang
Summary: Lignocellulosic biomass is seen as a sustainable feedstock for biorefineries, but challenges like commercialization and cost effectiveness exist. This article emphasizes studies on the sustainability of LCB and the role of computational intelligence methods in improving biorefineries.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Baby Salini Jacob Rani, Sivakumar Venkatachalam
Summary: This study presents a novel approach to convert underutilized Typha angustifolia leaves into cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin nanoparticles, achieving high yields. The characterized nanoparticles show promising applications in biomedical and material science fields.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Baby Salini Jacob Rani, Sivakumar Venkatachalam
Summary: This study presents a novel approach to convert Typha angustifolia leaves into cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin nanoparticles. High yields were achieved through a process of separation and dissolution, followed by intense ultrasonication to obtain nanosized particles. Characterization results indicate the wide range of potential applications for these nanoparticles.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wasim Akram Shaikh, Abhishek Kumar, Sukalyan Chakraborty, Mu. Naushad, Rafique Ul Islam, Tanushree Bhattacharya, Saugata Datta
Summary: A (hemi)cellulosic biochar-based nanocomposite was fabricated for efficient depollution of toxic dye-laden wastewater. The hybrid nanocomposite exhibited outstanding physicochemical properties and high adsorption efficiency for Rhodamine B. The material showed great potential for practical environmental applications and promoting sustainable development.
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Euntae Yang, Kangmin Chon, Kyoung-Yeol Kim, Giang T. H. Le, Hai Yen Nguyen, Trang T. Q. Le, Ha T. T. Nguyen, Mi-Ri Jae, Ishaq Ahmad, Sang-Eun Oh, Kyu- Jung Chae
Summary: Lignocellulosic and algal biomasses are vital for establishing a green hydrogen supply chain. However, the low digestibility of these biomasses in biorefinery processes is a pressing issue. This study reviews current biomass pretreatment methods and evaluates their technological and economic feasibility for promoting biohydrogen production in dark fermentation. The review also discusses the prospects of these pretreatments in terms of carbon neutrality and circular economy.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Shanta Dutta, Qiaozhi Zhang, Yang Cao, Chunfei Wu, Konstantinos Moustakas, Shicheng Zhang, Ka-Hing Wong, Daniel C. W. Tsang
Summary: This study investigated the catalytic valorization of different types of paper wastes for chemical production. The properties and composition of paper significantly affect the yield and selectivity of the products, highlighting the importance of considering these factors in the valorization of paper waste.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
S. Gonzalez-Rojo, R. Diez-Antolinez
Summary: Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are potential alternatives to fossil fuel-based plastics. However, the high production costs have hindered their industrial development. Lignocellulosic biomass (LCB), derived from waste byproducts, shows promise for PHA synthesis due to its abundance, low cost, renewability, and sustainability. This review discusses the progress in biomass deconstruction, enzymatic hydrolysis, and microbial conversion for PHA production from LCB. It also explores current biological strategies to improve the bioconversion process.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Aline Ruth Schmidt, Aline Perin Dresch, Sergio Luiz Alves Junior, Joao Paulo Bender, Helen Treichel
Summary: A circular economy is crucial for sustainability, and biorefineries have emerged as a way to reduce the carbon footprint and combat global warming. Biorefineries can utilize lignocellulosic biomass from various plants to produce bio-based products as substitutes for fossil fuel derivatives. Brewer's spent grain, a readily available and inexpensive raw material, shows potential for this purpose. This review explores the methods for extracting and processing hemicelluloses from brewer's spent grain using enzymes, acids, alkali, salts, solid acids, and metal oxide catalysts, as well as optimized catalysis mechanisms.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jie Qiao, Haiyang Cui, Minghui Wang, Xianshen Fu, Xinyue Wang, Xiujuan Li, He Huang
Summary: This article summarizes four promising routes for assembling new industrial plants for cellulose-based fuels and chemicals, and discusses the challenges and prospects in this field.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sri Suhartini, Novita Ainur Rohma, Efri Mardawati, Kasbawati, Nur Hidayat, Lynsey Melville
Summary: Indonesia's intensive agro-industrial sector generates a large volume of residues, with potential for conversion of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFBs) into bioenergy and bio-based products like bioethanol and xylitol. Techno-economic assessment shows potential for simultaneous production of bioethanol, xylitol, and lignin, with significant output to support the wider adoption of commercially viable bioethanol production in Indonesia. Challenges around technical, policy, and supply chains need to be addressed for successful implementation.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Alvin B. Culaba, Andres Philip Mayol, Argel A. Bandala, Ronnie S. Concepcion Ii, Melchizedek Alipio, Wei-Hsin Chen, Pau Loke Show, Jo-Shu Chang, Jayne Lois G. San Juan, Aristotle T. Ubando
Summary: The increase in worldwide demand for energy is driven by population growth and economic development, leading to depletion of fossil fuel supplies and high greenhouse gas levels. Biorefineries, as a popular and carbon-neutral alternative, play a key role in the circular economy model. This paper critically reviews the challenges and future direction of biorefineries as an alternative carbon-neutral energy source.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Namrata Joshi, Jasneet Grewal, Jakub Matusik, Lukasz Drewniak, Kumar Pranaw
Summary: This study investigated the immobilization of cellulase using Na-X zeolite derived from fly ash as a solid carrier. The immobilized cellulase showed improved pH stability, temperature optima, and half-life compared to the free enzyme. The immobilized preparation also exhibited good storage stability and was successfully applied in the saccharification of wheat straw.
BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Victor C. Igbokwe, Flora N. Ezugworie, Chukwudi O. Onwosi, Godwin O. Aliyu, Chinonye J. Obi
Summary: The transition to a circular bioeconomy is imperative, with biorefinery technology playing a key role in enabling economic opportunities across sectors. Despite challenges, strategies such as process intensification and the use of inhibitory compounds show promise in advancing sustainable biorefinery. Establishment of a viable circular bioeconomy in Nigeria is a topic of discussion for future prospects.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Alvaro Lobato-Rodriguez, Beatriz Gullon, Aloia Romani, Pedro Ferreira-Santos, Gil Garrote, Pablo G. Del-Rio
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in the use of deep eutectic solvent pretreatment for lignocellulose fractionation, with a focus on lignin recovery. It discusses the key parameters influencing the process and explores various strategies to enhance its efficiency. The challenges and opportunities associated with the utilization of extraction-derived streams are described, along with recent advancements in solvent recovery techniques. Furthermore, the utilization of computational models for process design and optimization is introduced. Overall, this review serves as a foundation for further research on the integration of deep eutectic pretreatment in sustainable multi-product biorefinery schemes.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura M. Sanchez, Eduardo Espinosa, Pedro Mendoza Zelis, Ramon Morcillo Martin, Jorge de Haro Niza, Alejandro Rodriguez
Summary: This study developed magnetic beads by in-situ preparation using alkaline aqueous medium of polyvinyl alcohol and cellulose nanofibers. These beads showed strong magnetic responses and were able to effectively remove dye pollutants from aqueous solutions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Maria E. Vallejos, Roberto J. Aguado, Ramon Morcillo-Martin, Jose A. Mendez, Fabiola Vilaseca, Quim Tarres, Pere Mutje
Summary: The growing demand for plant fiber-reinforced composites presents opportunities to compete against glass fiber-reinforced composites. This study focuses on the production and flexural strength of composites made from polypropylene and hemp strands, using maleic anhydride-grafted PP as a compatibilizer. The calculations and results suggest that the use of MAPP at a dosage of 0.06 g per gram of fiber achieved the maximum enhancement in flexural strength.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sergio Carrasco, Eduardo Espinosa, Zoilo Gonzalez, Manuel Cruz-Yusta, Luis Sanchez, Alejandro Rodriguez
Summary: In this study, nanocellulose/TiO2-based aerogels were prepared for the removal of nitrogen oxide (NOx) species. A simple colloidal route based on a heterocoagulation process between cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) was used. The freeze-drying process allowed shaping composite materials in which the nano-cellulose aerogel acts as a 3D support for the photoactive phase. All samples showed a positive response to NO abatement, with the CNF100 sample exhibiting the best selectivity (82%) and NO removal efficiency (78%), leading to an outstanding NOx efficiency of 64%.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jorge De Haro-Niza, Esther Rincon, Zoilo Gonzalez, Eduardo Espinosa, Alejandro Rodriguez
Summary: This study focuses on the efficient production of cellulose nanofibers from agricultural wastes and their application as a reinforcement agent in recycled linerboard recycling processes. The nanofibers produced through chemical pretreatment showed higher efficiency and improved mechanical properties of the recycled linerboard.
Article
Polymer Science
Esther Rincon, Eduardo Espinosa, Maria Pinillos, Luis Serrano
Summary: As a transition strategy towards sustainability, food packaging plays a crucial role in the current era. This study proposes the preparation of bioactive absorbent food pads from bay tree pruning waste, contributing to the circular bioeconomy. The pads, made from chitosan aerogels reinforced with lignocellulose and cellulose micro/nanofibers, exhibit improved mechanical performance and water uptake in the presence of residual lignin. Incorporation of bay leaf extract enhances the bioactivity of these pads, delaying the oxidation of fresh meat during storage.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ramon Morcillo-Martin, Laura Rabasco-Vilchez, Eduardo Espinosa, Fernando Perez-Rodriguez, Alejandro Rodriguez
Summary: Due to the overuse of petroleum-derived polymers and the consumer demand for nutritious and healthy products that can maintain their quality over longer periods of time, there is a need for new sustainable packaging systems. In this study, lignocellulosic biomass derived from raspberry pruning residues was used to produce biopolymers. The addition of nanofibers improved the mechanical properties and optical properties of the films, and the coating with nanofibers resulted in improved firmness values and lower counts of bacteria after storage.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alejandro Rodriguez, Eduardo Espinosa, Carlos Martin
Article
Food Science & Technology
Arun Kumar Gupta, Tanuva Pratiksha, Tanuva Das, Himanshu Kumar, Sarushi Rastogi, Eduardo Espinosa, Esther Rincon, Ramon Morcillo-Martin, Muzamil Ahmad Rather, Vijay Kumar, Bindu Naik, Hilal Ahmad Makroo, Hong -Wei Xiao, Rajeev Ranjan, Sadhna Mishra
Summary: This review focuses on the latest technological developments in ensuring food quality and safety. It discusses the application of advanced food materials in areas such as food processing and preservation, highlighting their significance in improving food quality, safety, and shelf life. The review also addresses future research challenges and trends in this field.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Alvaro Y. Tesio, Jorge de Haro Niza, Laura M. Sanchez, Alejandro Rodriguez, Alvaro Caballero
Summary: In this study, a non-activated carbon derived from waste yerba mate was used as a matrix for the development of a carbon-sulfur composite cathode. The composite showed a remarkable initial capacity and high reversible capacity at a low charge/discharge rate. It also demonstrated good rate capability even when subjected to an increased C-rate during long cycling.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Esther Rincon, Jorge De Haro-Niza, Ramon Morcillo-Martin, Eduardo Espinosa, Alejandro Rodriguez
Summary: The search for alternative packaging materials that reduce non-biodegradable plastics in water is the focus of current research. This study evaluates CMC films reinforced with cellulose nanofibres from agricultural residues as candidates for active food packaging. The results show that adding 3% horticultural or vine shoot nanofibres significantly improves the tensile strength of the films. Furthermore, incorporating gallic acid into the films enhances their functional properties and provides antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Elena Usala, Eduardo Espinosa, Wasim El Arfaoui, Ramon Morcillo-Martin, Begona Ferrari, Zoilo Gonzalez
Summary: This study proposes an innovative colloidal approach to prepare antibacterial aerogels by incorporating CuO nanoparticles (CuO NPs) into TEMPO-Oxidized Cellulose Nanofibers (CNF). The optimization of synthesis parameters for CuO NPs ensures a good dispersion within the CNF structure and enhances the antibacterial effectiveness of the aerogels.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
