White Biotechnology: Impeccable Role in Sustainable Bioeconomy

Chandel A.K.; Ascencio J.J.; Singh A.K.; Hilares R.T.; Ramos L.; Gupta R.; Thirupathaiah Y.; Jagavati S. · Lignocellulose Bioconversion through White Biotechnology (2022) · DOI: 10.1002/9781119735984.ch1

Resumen

White biotechnology is a multidisciplinary branch of biotechnology dedicated to generating renewable fuels, chemicals, food and feed, enzymes, and other biobased products at the industrial level employing bioprocesses. The transition from lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) into a vast diversification of valuable chemicals as well as products such as organic acids, lipids, biofuels, biopolymers, and so on is an integral component of white biotechnology. White biotechnology can cater to the growing demand for renewable fuels, chemicals, and materials in a sustainable manner harnessing the lignocellulosic feedstock leveraging the carbon-neutral economy. However, the economic transformation of LCB in chemicals and fuels is challenging as the process requires specialized reactors, chemicals, enzymes, and specialized microorganisms to follow product recovery. Realizing the potential of biobased products, many established biotech industrial leaders as well as start-ups have started to unleash the LCB potential into bulk and specialty chemicals, to enhance their sustainability and decrease the growing overall environmental issues. White biotechnology already has a pivotal role in bringing new innovations in health care, food/feed, detergents, cosmetics, and nutraceutical sectors. The new-fangled synthetic biology tools can fulfill a substantial role in making bioprocesses economical. This chapter summarizes the fundamental aspects of white biotechnology, biomass conversion steps, biobased products, their industrialization, and sustainability.

Instituciones: Universidad Católica de Santa María