Biocatalysis for biomass valorization

Abstract

Biocatalysis is a more sustainable alternative to chemical catalysis. While trying to obtain value added products from a biomass, looking beyond lignocelluloses (e.g.: marine polysaccharides, plant gums) may pay dividend. Many waste materials can be looked upon as a source of oil. Oil can be a rich source of diverse types of chemicals apart from biodiesel. Similarly, glycerol, the common by-product during biodiesel production, irrespective of the oil used, itself is the starting material of many products. Biocatalysis already is a viable option for the biodiesel formation step and may have a greater potential scope in glycerol chemistry. The ways to obtain the necessary biocatalysts and tailoring a given biocatalyst for a particular activity in the context of biomass valorization are discussed.