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

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

All the chapters have been written and edited by leading experts
in bioprocessing and biorefining technologies. Contributions are
based on a thorough review of the literature as well as the
authors' firsthand experience developing and working with
bioprocessing technologies.

By setting forth the current state of the technology and
pointing to promising new directions in research, Bioprocessing
Technologies in Biorefinery for Sustainable Production of Fuels,
Chemicals, and Polymers will enable readers to move towards
large-scale, sustainable, and economical production of biofuels and
bio-based chemicals.