Toward optimal use of biomass as carbon source for chemical bioproduction

Derek T Troiano; Tobias Hofmann; Simone Brethauer; Michael H-P Studer

doi:10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102942

Toward optimal use of biomass as carbon source for chemical bioproduction

Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2023 Jun:81:102942. doi: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102942. Epub 2023 Apr 14.

Authors

Derek T Troiano¹, Tobias Hofmann¹, Simone Brethauer¹, Michael H-P Studer²

Affiliations

¹ School of Agricultural, Forest, and Food Sciences, Bern University of Applied Sciences, CH-3052 Zollikofen, Switzerland.
² School of Agricultural, Forest, and Food Sciences, Bern University of Applied Sciences, CH-3052 Zollikofen, Switzerland. Electronic address: michael.studer1@bfh.ch.

PMID: 37062153
DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102942

Abstract

Biomass is widely identified as a promising, renewable replacement for fossil feedstocks in the production of energy, fuels, and chemicals. However, the sustainable supply of biomass is limited. Economic and ecological criteria support prioritization of biomass as a carbon source for organic chemicals; however, utilization for energy currently dominates. Therefore, to optimize the use of available biomass feedstock, biorefining development must focus on high carbon efficiencies and enabling the conversion of all biomass fractions, including lignin and fermentation-derived CO₂. Additionally, novel technological platforms should allow the incorporation of nontraditional, currently underutilized carbon feedstocks (e.g. manure) into biorefining processes. To this end, funneling of waste feedstocks to a single product (e.g. methane) and subsequent conversion to chemicals is a promising approach.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

Biomass
Carbon*
Fermentation
Lignin*
Organic Chemicals

Substances

Carbon
Lignin
Organic Chemicals