Advances in organosolv modified components occurring during the organosolv pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass

The valorization of organosolv pretreatment (OP) is a required approach to the industrialization of the current enzyme-mediated lignocellulosic biorefinery. Recent literature has demonstrated that the solvolysis happening in the OP can modify the soluble components into value-added active compounds, namely organosolv modified lignin (OML) and organosolv modified sugars (OMSs), in addition to protecting them against excessive degradation. Among them, the OML is coincidental with the lignin-first strategy that should render a highly reactive lignin enriched with beta-O-4 linkages and less condensed structure by organosolv grafting, which is desirable for the transformation into phenolic compounds. The OMSs are valuable glycosidic compounds mainly synthesized by trans-glycosylation, which can find potential applications in cosmetics, foods, and healthcare. Therefore, a state-of-the-art OP holds a big promise of lowering the process cost by the valorization of these active compounds. Recent advances in organosolv modified components are reviewed, and perspectives are made for addressing future challenges.

Automated summary

The valorization of organosolv pretreatment (OP) is essential for the industrialization of enzyme-mediated lignocellulosic biorefinery. Recent studies have shown that OP can modify the soluble components into valuable active compounds, such as organosolv modified lignin (OML) and organosolv modified sugars (OMSs), while protecting them from degradation. OML can be transformed into phenolic compounds with a highly reactive lignin structure, while OMSs have potential applications in cosmetics, foods, and healthcare. The valorization of these active compounds in OP holds great promise for cost reduction. The review covers recent advances in organosolv modified components and discusses future challenges.