MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Harnessing carbon potential of lignocellulosic biomass: advances in pretreatments, applications, and the transformative role of machine learning in biorefineries

Summary

This comprehensive review examines how agricultural and forestry waste containing lignocellulose can be transformed into valuable products like biofuels, packaging materials, and medical supplies. The paper covers various treatment methods to break down the tough plant material structure and highlights how artificial intelligence can improve these processes. By utilizing this abundant waste resource efficiently, we can reduce environmental pollution, generate renewable energy, and create useful products while supporting a circular economy approach.

Background

Lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) from agriculture and forestry waste is an abundant renewable carbon source with significant potential for biofuel and biochemical production. The recalcitrant structure of LCB, characterized by complex polymer networks of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, presents challenges for efficient conversion. Effective pretreatment strategies are essential to overcome biomass recalcitrance and enable productive biorefineries within the circular economy framework.

Objective

This review synthesizes recent advancements in LCB pretreatment methodologies, explores innovative biorefinery applications beyond traditional biofuels, and examines the integration of machine learning technologies for process optimization. The paper highlights emerging products including 3D printing materials, biosorbents, biocomposites, bio-adhesives, and biomedical applications while addressing environmental and economic assessment tools for biorefinery viability.

Results

The review identified multiple effective pretreatment strategies with varying efficiencies: acid pretreatment achieved 90% delignification, alkaline pretreatment on rice straw yielded 88.27% reducing sugars, and combined pretreatments demonstrated superior results (e.g., 97.34% enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency). Novel applications identified include activated carbons as biosorbents, LCB-derived carbon quantum dots for biomedical applications, biocomposites with superior strength, and antimicrobial/antiviral compounds from lignin extracts.

Conclusion

LCB biorefineries represent a sustainable solution for waste valorization and carbon-neutral energy production, with pretreatment as a critical optimization point. Machine learning integration enables predictive modeling and real-time monitoring to improve process efficiency and product yields. Future biorefinery success depends on combining optimized pretreatment, circular economy principles, and AI-driven process controls while ensuring environmental and economic viability through comprehensive ETEA assessments.
  • Published in:Bioresour Bioprocess,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMC12433431 / PMID: 40944753
Scroll to Top