Bioprocessing Technologies in Biorefinery for Sustainable Production of Fuels, Chemicals, and Polymers

Sets the stage for large-scale production of biofuels and bio-based chemicals

In response to diminishing supplies as well as the environmental hazards posed by fossil fuels and petrochemicals, interest and demand for green, sustainable biofuels and bio-based chemicals are soaring. Biomass may be the solution. It is an abundant carbon-neutral renewable feedstock that can be used for the production of fuels and chemicals. Currently, biorefineries use corn, soybeans, and sugarcane for bioethanol and biodiesel production; however, there are many challenges facing biorefineries, preventing biomass from reaching its full potential.

This book provides a comprehensive review of bioprocessing technologies that use lignocellulosic biomass for the production of biofuels, biochemicals, and biopolymers. It begins with an overview of integrated biorefineries.

Next, it covers:

- Biomass feedstocks, including sugar, starch, oil, and energy crops as well as microalgae
- Pretreatment technologies for lignocellulosic biomass
- Hydrolytic enzymes used in biorefineries for the hydrolysis of starch and lignocelluloses
- Bioconversion technologies for current and future biofuels such as ethanol, biodiesel, butanol, hydrogen, and biogas
- Specialty chemicals, building block chemicals, and biopolymers produced via fermentation
- Phytochemicals and functional food ingredients extracted from plant materials

Publisher: Wiley-AIChE; 1 edition (July 10, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780470541951
ISBN-13: 978-0470541951