Applying biorefinery concepts for sugarcane straw upcycling using alkaline and enzymatic treatments to produce value-added compounds and bioenergy

• Published in: Biomass & bioenergy Vol. 178; p. 106972
• Main Authors: Tramontina, Robson, Scopel, Eupídio, Brenelli, Lívia, Nogueira, Guilherme P., Franco, Telma T., Rezende, Camila A., Goldbeck, Rosana, Squina, Fabio M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-11-2023
• Subjects: Bioenergy; Biotransformation; Lignin nanoparticles; Sugarcane straw biorefinery; Bioenergy; Sugarcane straw biorefinery; Biotransformation; Lignin nanoparticles
• ISSN: 0961-9534; 1873-2909
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2023.106972

The objective of this study was to develop a sugarcane straw biorefinery that targets the valorization of glucan, hemicellulose, and lignin streams generated through sequential and integrated treatments. Complementary biocatalytic strategies include ferulic acid isolation and biotransformation into high-value compounds, such as coniferol (a molecule with broad application in chemical synthesis) using a genetically engineered Escherichia coli strain (BL21-pROB) and xylooligosaccharides (XOS) using a feruloyl esterase and xylanase chimeric enzyme (XynZ). This biorefinery scheme also considers lignin recovery for solid biofuel and lignin nanoparticle synthesis. The evaluation of integration scenarios showed that a mild-alkaline pretreatment followed by enzymatic hydrolysis with XynZ and subsequent biotransformation with BL21-pROB strain, saccharification, and fermentation steps allowed up to 85% (w/w) of sugarcane straw plant cell wall component conversion into coniferol, XOS, fermentable sugars, bioethanol, lignin nanoparticles, and solid biofuel.
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•We outline an integrative design concept to valorize sugarcane straw components.•85% biotransformation of lignocellulosic material to various bioproducts observed.•Integrated biorefineries may provide solutions for obtaining diverse bioproducts.