Earth-abundant 3d-transition-metal catalysts for lignocellulosic biomass conversion

Transformation of biomass to chemicals and fuels is a long-term goal in both science and industry. Here, we review the fast development and recent advances of 3d-metal-based catalysts including Cu, Fe, Co, Ni and Mn in lignocellulosic biomass conversion.

Enzyme immobilization as a strategy towards efficient and sustainable lignocellulosic biomass conversion into chemicals and biofuels: current status and perspectives

Environmental issues led to the urgent necessity of research to focus on a fossil fuel detachment in the near future. Under the biorefinery concept, enzymatic hydrolysis is a key bioprocess...

Extraction of Vanillin Following Bioconversion of Rice Straw and Its Optimization by Response Surface Methodology

Value-added chemicals, including phenolic compounds, can be generated through lignocellulosic biomass conversion via either biological or chemical pretreatment. Currently vanillin is one of the most valuable of these products that has been shown to be extractable on an industrial scale. This study demonstrates the potential of using rice straw inoculated with Serpula lacrymans, which produced a mixture of high value bio-based compounds including vanillin. Key extraction conditions were identified to be the volume of solvent used and extraction time, which were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The vanillin compounds extracted from rice straw solid state fermentation (SSF) was confirmed through LC-ESI MS/MS in selective ion mode. The optimum concentration and yield differed depending on the solvent, which was predicted using 60 mL ethyl acetate for 160 min were 0.408% and 3.957 μg g−1 respectively. In comparison, when ethanol was used, the highest concentration and yields of vanillin were 0.165% and 2.596 μg g−1. These were achieved using 40 mL of solvent, and extraction time increased to 248 min. The results confirm that fungal conversion of rice straw to vanillin could consequently offer a cost-effect alternative to other modes of production.