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Biofuels Production from Lignocellulosic Biomass

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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A4: Bio-Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2023) | Viewed by 14454

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Tiit Lukk

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Guest Editor

Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Akadeemia tee 15, 12618 Tallinn, Estonia
Interests: biochemistry; structural biology; bioremediation; biofuels; enzymology; functional materials; wood chemistry

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We invite submissions to a Special Issue of the journal Energies on the topic of “Biofuels production from Lignocellulosic Biomass”.

Lignocellulosic biomass is the only sustainable feedstock that can meet the increasing demands of the field of biofuels production. While lignocellulosic biomass is the most abundant form of renewable feedstock on the planet, the species-to-species variations, which contribute to biomass heterogeneity, make it almost impossible to come to a “one method suits all” scenario when considering the production of biofuels from the broad range of available biomass sources on Earth. Biomass heterogeneity stems from the variation in the content ratios of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin as well as the structural variations within those plant polymers. On the other hand, the complex structure of lignocellulose contributes to the biomass recalcitrance—the resistance of a biomass to release its fermentable sugars via enzymatic treatment. Thus, pre-treatment of lignocellulosic biomass is almost universally necessary in the processes leading to biofuel production.

This Special Issue would like to encourage original contributions and reviews regarding recent developments in technologies leading to biofuels production from lignocellulosic biomass. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, biofuels from lignocellulosic wastes, genetic engineering of lignocellulosic feedstocks, pretreatment technologies, lignin derived biofuels, hemicellulosic biofuels, green routes to lignocellulose deconstruction, fermentation technologies, genetic engineering of microbial strains, enzymatic deconstruction of lignocellulose, chemical deconstruction of lignocellulose, and fractionation technologies.

Dr. Tiit Lukk
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

lignocellulosic biofuels
fermentation technologies
pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass
oxidative enzymes
lignocellulose fractionation
genetic engineering
synthetic biology
valorization of lignocellulosic wastes

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 3709 KiB

Open AccessArticle

TGA-FTIR Analysis of Biomass Samples Based on the Thermal Decomposition Behavior of Hemicellulose, Cellulose, and Lignin

by Esin Apaydın Varol and Ülker Mutlu

Energies 2023, 16(9), 3674; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16093674 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2542

Abstract

The slow pyrolysis characteristics of lignocellulosic biomass and its three major components via a Thermogravimetric Analyzer coupled with a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (TGA-FTIR) was studied. Different compositions and ratios of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, olive pomace, sunflower waste, and pinecone were selected. The main decomposition temperature ranges of xylose (hemicellulose) and lignin showed a broad range between 173–690 and 170–835 °C, respectively, whereas that of cellulose was detected to be 291–395 °C. All biomass samples presented a three-stage pyrolysis model that is explained by the superposition of the weight losses of major components. Simultaneous FTIR analysis of the evolved gases demonstrated that the greater the cellulose and hemicellulose contents, the higher the CO and CO₂ concentrations. Chemical kinetics were computed with the Coats–Redfern model. The activation energy required for the initiation of the thermal decomposition of biomass samples is in the range of 53–94 kJ/mol. Moreover, the product yields of all samples were determined via laboratory-scale pyrolysis. Pyrolytic oil and char yields were determined to be between 18.9–32.4 wt.% and 26.6–31.2 wt.%, respectively, at 550 °C final temperature for the biomass samples. It is concluded that the bio-oil yield was not only controlled by the cellulose content but also affected by the presence of n-hexane soluble (oil) fraction as well as inorganics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biofuels Production from Lignocellulosic Biomass)

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15 pages, 1217 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of the Ensemble of Lignin-Remodeling DyP-Type Peroxidases from Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2)

by Hegne Pupart, Piia Jõul, Melissa Ingela Bramanis and Tiit Lukk

Energies 2023, 16(3), 1557; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16031557 - 03 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2009

Abstract

Lignin is Nature’s major source of aromatic chemistry and is by many seen as the green entry-point alternative to the fossil-based chemical industry. Due to its chemically recalcitrant structure, the utilization of lignin is challenging, wherein enzymes might be the key to overcome this challenge. Here, we focus on the characterization of dye-decolorizing peroxidases from Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) (ScDyPs) in the context of enzymatic modification of organosolv lignins from aspen and Miscanthus × giganteus. In this study, we show that the ScDyPB can remodel organosolv lignins from grassy biomass, leading to higher molecular weight species, while ScDyPAs can deconstruct hardwood lignin, leading to an overall reduction in its molecular weight. Additionally, we show that ScDyPB is effective in polymerizing low-molecular-weight phenolics, leading to their removal from the solution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biofuels Production from Lignocellulosic Biomass)

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14 pages, 3912 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Possibility of Management of Curly-Leaf Pondweed for Energetic Purposes

by Marcin Herkowiak, Andrzej Osuch, Ewa Osuch, Bogusława Waliszewska and Grzegorz Zając

Energies 2021, 14(17), 5477; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14175477 - 02 Sep 2021

Viewed by 1514

Abstract

The possibilities of using curly-leaf pondweed for energy purposes were analyzed. This plant contributes to overgrowth of water reservoirs, causing their eutrophication. The plants examined were from two different water reservoirs: Lake Winiary (Gniezno) and Lake Rusalka (Poznan). On the basis of the investigations, it was determined that it is possible to use curly-leaf pondweed for energy purposes, both in the combustion method and in the biomethane fermentation process. Studies were performed to assess the suitability of the plants for combustion as a solid biofuel and studies on the use of pondweed as a fermenter feedstock. The calorimetric study showed the possibility of obtaining more energy for the curly-leaf pondweed coming from Lake Rusalka. The heat of combustion of these plants was 13.95 MJ·kg⁻¹ (Winiary pondweed) and 9.10 MJ·kg⁻¹ (Rusalka pondweed). On the other hand, the calorific value of these plants was 12.60 MJ·kg⁻¹ (Winiary pondweed) and 7.80 MJ·kg⁻¹ (Rusalka pondweed). In the case of biogas yield studies, significantly higher biogas production was observed for Lake Rusalka pondweed than for Lake Winiary pondweed. The total biogas yield for these plants was 8.05 m³·Mg⁻¹ for Rusalka pondweed and 3.19 m³·Mg⁻¹ for Winiary pondweed. Differences in the chemical composition of pondweed originating from different lakes were also found, which translated into differences in the amount of energy that could be obtained from plants from both stands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biofuels Production from Lignocellulosic Biomass)

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Review

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24 pages, 1638 KiB

Open AccessReview

Integrated Catalytic Upgrading of Biomass-Derived Alcohols for Advanced Biofuel Production

by Sabarathinam Shanmugam, Anjana Hari, Arivalagan Pugazhendhi and Timo Kikas

Energies 2023, 16(13), 4998; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16134998 - 27 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1375

Abstract

Sustainable biofuel production is necessary to meet the daunting challenge of “fueling” growing economies with a significantly reduced carbon footprint. Although its higher oxygen content often hinders the direct conversion of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) into energy-dense biofuels, microbial biofuel production from LCB still has potential. The production of primary alcohols by acetone–butanol–ethanol (ABE) fermentation has been practiced for more than a century to attain near-theoretical maximum. However, ABE produced conventionally by native microorganisms is not equivalent to fossil fuel-based aviation fuels in terms of energy density, volatility, and cost-efficiency. Various strategies have been adapted for the microbial synthesis of advanced fuels from renewable feedstock with the advancements in genetic engineering. Yet, the presence of inhibitors and the inefficiency of microbes to utilize or transport the sugar mixtures from LCB often impede titer and yield. However, ABE mixtures can act as platform chemicals to synthesize high-value biofuels by biocatalytic or chemo-catalytic applications. Chemical catalysts, in particular, are used to produce higher alcohols ranging from 3-carbon to 20-carbon fuels from the ABE fermentation mixture. This article reviews the recent trends in the production of higher biofuels from ABE mixtures using biological and chemical catalysts. Focus is placed on genomic and metabolic engineering strategies implemented to upgrade microbes for higher biofuel production via the fermentation of renewable feedstocks. This paper also summarizes the advancements in the chemical conversion route of an ABE fermentation mixture into higher biofuels. Finally, the review provides insights into future research toward commercializing renewable and sustainable higher biofuels and chemicals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biofuels Production from Lignocellulosic Biomass)

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23 pages, 787 KiB

Open AccessReview

Review of Recent Advances in the Physiology of the Regulation of Cellulase and Xylanase Production by Basidiomycetes

by Vladimir Elisashvili, Eka Metreveli, Tamar Khardziani, Kakha Sokhadze, Aza Kobakhidze and Eva Kachlishvili

Energies 2023, 16(11), 4382; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16114382 - 28 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1366

Abstract

The potential of wood-rotting and litter-deconstructing basidiomycetes to convert lignocellulose into a wide variety of products has been extensively studied. In particular, wood-rotting basidiomycete secretomes are attracting much attention from researchers and biotechnology companies due to their ability to produce extracellular hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes that effectively degrade cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin of plant biomass. An analysis of the available literature data shows that Basidiomycota fungi, which are most adapted to the depolymerization of plant polysaccharides, are promising but so far unexploited sources of new hydrolytic enzymes. The review summarizes the latest data on the great variety, common features, and unique properties of individual fungi and the production of cellulases and xylanases by various physiological and ecological groups of basidiomycetes. The most important microbial cellulase-producing strains for submerged and solid-phase fermentation, as well as the main substrates, including the use of agro-industrial waste, are considered. It highlights ways to increase both cellulase and xylanase expression levels and the cost-effectiveness of producing these enzymes for various biotechnological applications. It is anticipated that this review will be particularly useful to novice scientists working in the lignocellulose biorefinery, as it describes current knowledge and issues related to the production and regulation of polysaccharide hydrolyzing enzyme synthesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biofuels Production from Lignocellulosic Biomass)

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17 pages, 658 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Lignin-Based Biofuel Production

by Engin Kocaturk, Tufan Salan, Orhan Ozcelik, Mehmet Hakkı Alma and Zeki Candan

Energies 2023, 16(8), 3382; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16083382 - 12 Apr 2023

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4371

Abstract

Lignin is a polymer found in the cell walls of plants and is an important component of wood. Lignin-derived fuels have attracted attention as a means of producing biofuels from biomass in recent years. There are two basic methods for converting lignin into fuel: thermochemical and catalytic. Lignin-derived fuels have the potential to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, more research is needed to optimize the production of lignin-derived fuels and to determine their environmental impact. This review aims to evaluate the development of lignin-derived fuels from an economic and environmental point of view while presenting a broad perspective. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biofuels Production from Lignocellulosic Biomass)

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