The path forward for biofuels and biomaterials

Science. 2006 Jan 27;311(5760):484-9. doi: 10.1126/science.1114736.

Abstract

Biomass represents an abundant carbon-neutral renewable resource for the production of bioenergy and biomaterials, and its enhanced use would address several societal needs. Advances in genetics, biotechnology, process chemistry, and engineering are leading to a new manufacturing concept for converting renewable biomass to valuable fuels and products, generally referred to as the biorefinery. The integration of agroenergy crops and biorefinery manufacturing technologies offers the potential for the development of sustainable biopower and biomaterials that will lead to a new manufacturing paradigm.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomass*
  • Biotechnology*
  • Carbohydrate Metabolism
  • Energy-Generating Resources*
  • Fermentation
  • Photosynthesis
  • Plant Development
  • Plants / genetics
  • Plants / metabolism*
  • Polymers
  • Public Policy

Substances

  • Polymers