Tools for a multiproduct biorefinery of Acacia dealbata biomass

The forest wastes removed as a strategy to control the invasive shrub Acacia dealbata Link (silver wattle) can be regarded as a low cost renewable source of biomass for the production of biofuels, bioactives and chemicals. A number of studies have reported both conventional and novel processes for the utilization of different parts of the plant. This review presents an overview of the environmental problems associated to this shrub in invaded areas and a compilation of the technologies proposed for the extraction and production of commercially interesting compounds from silver wattle. Combination of such tools for the fractionated valorization of this resource following a zero waste biorefinery approach is discussed, with emphasis on the use of greener flexible technologies.

Automated summary

The forest wastes removed to control invasive shrub Acacia dealbata Link can be used as a low-cost renewable source of biomass for producing biofuels, bioactives, and chemicals. Various studies have explored traditional and innovative processes for utilizing different parts of the plant. This review highlights the environmental issues associated with the shrub in invaded areas and discusses technologies for extracting commercially valuable compounds from silver wattle in a zero waste biorefinery approach.