Three Things You Need to Know About Bioproducts

Unlocking the Sweet Symphony of Sugars: A Biochemical Ballet

In the realm of biomass conversion, different dance forms characterize the journey from various raw materials to the coveted glucose, the cornerstone of biofuel and bio product creation. Let's explore the intricate choreography performed by three main players: sugar crops, starchy biomass, and lignocellulosic biomass.

From Sugar Crops:

Sugarcane takes center stage, executing a meticulous dance routine. Through a precise process, sugary juice is separated from fibrous residues like bagasse. This ballet yields a remarkable amount of sugar, with sugarcane standing as a champion, providing an impressive 16-20% sucrose content in its juice, ready to be transformed into biofuel or culinary delights.

From Starchy Biomass:

Corn emerges as the star performer in a streamlined production. The prevalent technique of dry milling turns corn kernels into a slurry, undergoing liquefaction and saccharification. The numbers speak volumes—this efficient process yields around 2.7 gallons of ethanol per bushel of corn, showcasing the economic prowess and sustainability of corn-derived glucose.

From Lignocellulosic Biomass:

Corn stover takes the stage with a more intricate routine. Pretreatment, a costly but essential opening act, softens the cellulose fortress, making way for enzymatic hydrolysis. The challenge is quantified in the effort—breaking down cellulose demands meticulous handling, with yield percentages hovering around 70-80%, emphasizing the intricate nature of extracting precious glucose from cellulose chains.

As we traverse these biochemical landscapes, the promise of abundant sugar from diverse biomass sources beckons. The sheer efficiency of these processes, coupled with the dance of quantitative yields, sets the stage for the enchanting act of fermentation—an exploration awaiting us in the transformative magic that turns glucose into a symphony of sustainable solutions.

Exploring Alternative Avenues: Thermochemical Conversion of Biomass

We delved into the intricacies of biochemical conversion, primarily focusing on fermentation as the key process to derive valuable products from biomass, with sugar and starch crops taking the lead. However, there exists another realm of possibilities for lignocellulosic biomass, one that involves a different set of movements on the biochemical stage—thermochemical conversion.

Thermochemical Conversion Unveiled:

Unlike the finesse required in biochemical conversion, thermochemical conversion embraces the application of heat and chemical processes to dismantle biomass into its fundamental components. This pathway unveils multiple avenues for lignocellulosic biomass to transform into bioproducts and biofuels, expanding our repertoire beyond the familiar dance of fermentation.

Pyrolysis:

In this thermal ballet, pyrolysis takes center stage—a rapid breakdown of organic compounds in the absence of oxygen. It crafts a diverse ensemble of products, including liquid, gas, and char. The temperature choreography determines the outcome; slower heating rates yield more solids, such as bio-char, while faster rates favor the production of liquid bio-oil. However, the journey doesn’t end there—low-quality bio-oil necessitates chemical upgrading, an additional step adding complexity and cost to the process.

Gasification:

Gasification, another performer in the thermochemical showcase, orchestrates the conversion of carbon-rich materials under high heat and minimal oxygen. The result is syngas, a flammable mixture rich in carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Syngas, akin to a versatile artist, serves as an intermediate for various chemical productions. Yet, challenges arise in its journey—cleaning and conditioning steps are imperative before it transforms into a valuable commodity.

Combustion:

The timeless act of combustion, a process we witness daily in flames, involves the burning of biomass to convert carbon, oxygen, and energy into carbon dioxide, water, and heat. While combustion boasts simplicity and widespread use, its role extends beyond warmth; it contributes significantly to global energy conversion, with 60% of globally produced wood finding purpose in heating through combustion.

Oleaginous Biomass:

Amidst these thermal performances, oleaginous biomass emerges as a distinct player, featuring oil seed crops and unconventional sources like microalgae. These sources, rich in lipids, open avenues for diverse biofuel production. From mechanically pressing oil seeds to transesterification, where triglycerides undergo modification for improved fuel properties, the world of plant oils unveils a repertoire of possibilities.

The Messy Beauty of Thermochemical Conversion:

Thermochemical conversion, though somewhat messy in its execution, offers a spectrum of possibilities for harnessing biomass. Whether through combustion's simplicity, gasification's versatility, or pyrolysis's intricate dance, each process contributes to the larger narrative of creating valuable products from deconstructed biomass.

As we explore these alternative pathways, the choice between biochemical and thermochemical conversion becomes a matter of nuanced choreography—each suited to different biomass compositions and desired end products. Our journey through the biochemical landscapes continues, unveiling the multifaceted world of biomass conversion and the intricate dance between biology and chemistry in our pursuit of sustainable solutions.

Unveiling the Frontier of Bioproducts: Emerging Innovations

In our journey through the realm of bioproducts, we've encountered the familiar and the groundbreaking. According to the USDA's BioPreferred Program, a product earns the esteemed bioproduct title when it comprises at least 25% "new" organic carbon. As we explore the innovative frontiers of the last decade, these biobased creations beckon us toward a sustainable future.

Plant Bottle Advancements:

A notable player on this stage is the Plant Bottle, a brainchild of Dasani/Coca Cola introduced in 2009. Crafted from PET with 30% biobased content, it represents a step towards sustainability. However, the undisclosed part is that 70% still hails from petroleum-derived terephthalic acid. Undeterred, industry giants such as Danone, Nestlé Waters, and PepsiCo, joined by Origin Materials, are in pursuit of a 100% biobased PET with technology from UC Davis. The dream of fully sustainable beverage packaging inches closer to reality, promising a paradigm shift in the market.

Fungal Biomass Revolution:

Venturing into the unseen world of fungi, mycelium, the non-fruiting body of fungi, unveils its potential. Companies like MycoWorks harness mycelium to create durable, fire-resistant materials for furniture and fashion, with Reshi leather emerging as a game-changer. Meanwhile, Ecovative Design pioneers biodegradable packaging and foams, weaving sustainability into the fabric of everyday products. These innovations showcase the synergy between nature's decomposers and human ingenuity, ushering in a new era of biomaterials.

Nanocellulose Marvels:

Nanocellulose, a material born of cellulose's nanoscale transformation, captures attention for its unique properties. Whether in the form of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) or nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC), its strength rivals steel with a significantly lower density. Transparent and catalytically active, nanocellulose becomes a powerful tool for materials science. Its applications range from reinforcing agents in polymers to transparent coatings and fire-protective layers, all derived from a variety of feedstocks, including agricultural and forestry waste. As we break cellulose down to its fundamental components, a world of possibilities emerges.

Transparent Wood:

In the realm of sustainability, wood takes on a new guise—transparent wood. A product of lignin removal and resin infusion, transparent wood isn't just a visual marvel but a potential game-changer for windows. Stronger than conventional wood, it holds the promise of energy storage and release, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly building materials. The transparency of wood now serves a dual purpose, not only offering a glimpse into the material's natural beauty but also contributing to the renewable energy landscape.

Conclusions: 

These innovations exemplify the ongoing commitment to harnessing biorenewable resources. The journey doesn't end here; it unfolds as a continuous exploration of nature's intricacies, pushing the boundaries of what's possible. As industries embrace sustainability, these biobased marvels stand as beacons, illuminating a path towards a greener, more resilient future.

Sources: 

• Lesson 18, Crops to Sugar, BBE 1002, UMN

• Lesson 21, Other Pathways to Products, BBE 1002, UMN

• Lesson 22, Other Biobased Products, BBE 1002, UMN

• Sanchez, Rudy. “Scientists Develop New Way to Make Transparent Wood.” Dieline, 21 Mar. 2021, thedieline.com/blog/2021/2/26/scientists-develop-new-way-to-make-transparent-wood.