Holistic lignocellulose valorization: the development of mild pretreatments

The transition to a sustainable economy requires innovative approaches to replace fossil-based products with bio-based alternatives. This research focuses on lignocellulose, a renewable plant material composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Traditional biorefineries often target just one component, leading to waste and inefficiencies. This study proposes a holistic approach that fully utilizes all components of lignocellulose, thereby maximizing value extraction. By developing mild pretreatment methods that preserve the integrity of these components, the research aims to produce valuable products like bioplastics and chemicals from non-food biomass sources. For instance, the study explores new ways to extract and process lignin, a complex polymer, to enhance its use in creating sustainable materials. Additionally, it investigates the potential of using supercritical CO2 and other green solvents to improve the efficiency and sustainability of these processes. The ultimate goal is to advance the biorefinery technology, making it a viable alternative to petroleum-based industries and contributing to a circular economy.