Sustainable Bioprocess for Agricultural Waste Valorization

Dear Colleagues,

The world’s demand for food, textiles, medicine, and many other essential needs is dependent on agriculture. The production of agricultural goods has increased manyfold, and to suffice the need of growing populations, it will once again greatly increase in the near future. However, this increase in the production of agricultural goods is also accompanied by a large amount of waste. The degradation of these huge amounts of agricultural residues is a gigantic problem worldwide. Nevertheless, humans have a principal responsibility to search for alternatives and turn a problem into an opportunity. Lignocellulosic-rich agricultural residues have been found to be an efficient source of biofuel, bio-oils, high-value compounds, and intermediate compounds for the commercially important biorefinery alternatives to petroleum-refinery-based chemicals. Thus, the valorization of agricultural biomass is a great opportunity and can be exploited for a greener future that supports both environmental conservation and meets the chemical and energy needs of mankind. The conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to biofuel and high-value compounds involves a series of processes such as pretreatment, hydrolysis, saccharification, and fermentation. Several technologies such as physical, chemical, physicochemical, and biological systems are developed for pretreatment and hydrolysis. Several physicochemical technologies are also developed for the direct conversion of biomass to high-value compounds. Similarly, the development of efficient hydrolytic enzymes and fermenting strains via the genetic engineering and system biology approach can lead to enhanced efficiency in saccharification and fermentation.

This Special Issue focuses on the development and assessment of these technologies and bioprocesses that can result in enhanced biomass valorization. This issue will provide a platform to include interdisciplinary studies embracing physical and chemical strategies for the enhanced recovery of high-value compounds and biochemical synthesis using agricultural residues as the starting material. Further approaches such as crop advancement for high cellulosic content and improved recombinant strains for enhanced saccharification and fermentation will also be included. Original research, opinions, and reviews are all welcome.

Prof. Dr. Pradeep Verma
Dr. Venkatesh Chaturvedi
Guest Editors

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• agricultural residues
• valorization
• pretreatment
• genetic engineering
• bioprocess development