Bioprocessing of Waste for Renewable Chemicals and Fuels to Promote Bioeconomy

The world's rising energy needs, and the depletion of fossil resources demand a shift from fossil-based feedstocks to organic waste to develop a competitive, resource-efficient, and low-carbon sustainable economy in the long run. It is well known that the production of fuels and chemicals via chemical routes is advantageous because it is a well-established technology with low production costs. However, the use of toxic/environmentally harmful and expensive catalysts generates toxic intermediates, making the process unsustainable. Alternatively, utilization of renewable resources for bioprocessing with a multi-product approach that aligns novel integration improves resource utilization and contributes to the green economy. The present review discusses organic waste bioprocessing through the anaerobic fermentation (AF) process to produce biohydrogen (H-2), biomethane (CH4), volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and medium chain fatty acids (MCFA). Furthermore, the roles of photosynthetic bacteria and microalgae for biofuel production are discussed. In addition, a roadmap to create a fermentative biorefinery approach in the framework of an AF-integrated bioprocessing format is deliberated, along with limitations and future scope. This novel bioprocessing approach significantly contributes to promoting the circular bioeconomy by launching complete carbon turnover practices in accordance with sustainable development goals.

Automated summary

To meet the growing energy needs and address the depletion of fossil resources, there is a need to shift from fossil-based feedstocks to organic waste for a competitive, resource-efficient, and low-carbon sustainable economy. Chemical routes for fuel and chemical production have low production costs, but the use of toxic and expensive catalysts make the process unsustainable. Utilizing renewable resources for bioprocessing with a multi-product approach improves resource utilization and contributes to the green economy.