Tag Archives: biorefinery

1099–1111 N. Patel, L. Zihare, and D. Blumberga
Evaluation of bioresources validation
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Evaluation of bioresources validation

N. Patel*, L. Zihare, and D. Blumberga

Riga Technical University, Faculty of Environmental Science, Department of Environmental Protection and Heat Systems, Azenes street 12-K1, LV1048 Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: nidhiben-arvindbhai.patel@rtu.lv

Abstract:

A major worldwide problem is the degradation of energy sources and the wide amount of waste products from industries, households, or from any other human activities. But what if both problems can be solved by one solution? Extensive data show that validation of bioresources increases the production of the value-added product. The assessment is based on a scenario approach. A vast literature review was performed, to investigate the alternative application pathways for various types of non-primary bioresources. Multicriteria analysis is considered as the current gold standard technique for bioresources valorisation and is proved for two cases. Firstly, we present tests that evaluate the performance of different pre-treatment methods in order to extract fibre from Hogweed biomass. Secondly, we assess the resilience of our approach using Multi-criteria analysis for brewers’ spent grain to find out the best value-added product. The results demonstrate the adequacy of the method for Hogweed biomass and brewers’ spent grain valorisation.

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377-388 A. Cristobal-Sarramian and D. Atzmüller
Yeast as a production platform in biorefineries: conversion of agricultural residues into value-added products
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Yeast as a production platform in biorefineries: conversion of agricultural residues into value-added products

A. Cristobal-Sarramian* and D. Atzmüller

University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, School of Engineering, Stelzhamerstraße 23, AT4600 Wels, Austria
*Correspondence: alvaro.cristobal@fh-wels.at

Abstract:

In contrast to a petroleum-based economy, which relies on the unlimited presence of fossil fuels, a biobased economy utilizes a broad spectrum of natural crops and biomass as raw substrates for the production of valuable materials. Biorefineries represent a promising approach for the co-production of bioenergy (biofuels, biogas) and value-added products (biochemicals, biomaterials, food). Within Europe, wheat straw represents the major crop residue and has been extensively considered as a promising feedstock in the biorefining process. Firstly, wheat straw is hydrolysed to obtain a sugar solution that is further converted into the desired product in a biocatalytic manner. Microbial fermentation is the core component of biorefineries and yeast, as for instance Candida guilliermondii, is an effective production platform for both, biofuels and biochemicals. One limiting aspect in using yeast in the biorefinery approach is the presence of inhibitors in lignocellulosic hydrolysates, such as acetic acid or furfural, influencing cellular growth and diverse metabolic processes. In order to overcome this problem, several genetic engineering approaches are used to increase yeast resistance towards these inhibitors and to enhance the overall production. In this paper, we summarized: 1) the pretreatment technologies for wheat straw bioconversion; 2) the Candida guilliermondii genetic engineering technologies and their biotechnological potential. In conclusion, biorefineries are a crucial factor in the transition towards a biobased and circular economy, and the implementation of yeast into this system offers a great opportunity to develop innovative strategies for a sustainable production in an environmentally friendly and economically feasible manner.

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695-704 M. Ahokas,, A.-L. Välimaa, T. Lötjönen, A. Kankaala, S. Taskilaand E. Virtanen
Resource assessment for potato biorefinery: Side stream potential in Northern Ostrobothnia
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Resource assessment for potato biorefinery: Side stream potential in Northern Ostrobothnia

M. Ahokas¹,³⋅*, A.-L. Välimaa¹, T. Lötjönen², A. Kankaala¹, S. Taskila³and E. Virtanen¹

¹MTT Agrifood Research Finland, Biotechnology and Food Research, P.O. Box 413, FI90014 University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland 2MTT Agrifood Research Finland, Plant Production Research, Tutkimusasemantie 15, FI92440 Ruukki, Finland 3University of Oulu, Chemical Process Engineering, P.O. Box 4300, FI90014 University of Oulu, Finland; *Correspondence: mikko.ahokas@oulu.fi

Abstract:

Potato industry side-streams consist of a significant amount of the original biomass. However, tightened demands of EU legislation together with the costs of side stream processing have forced potato industry towards more efficient use of the raw material. For this purpose, we have examined the possibility to recover main fractions from potato side streams, such as proteins, fibers and starch, and utilize them in a manner of biorefinery concept. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the potential for a potato biorefinery based on biomasses available at area of Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland. Study shows, that there is enough side-streams available to build a concept, which produces more value added products, like fibers and proteins. In this report, the main conclusions of the research are presented together with state-of-art on potato waste water processing technologies and current applications of their products.

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205-209 M. D. Rasmussen
Educational requirements to support research and innovation in Bioenergy
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Educational requirements to support research and innovation in Bioenergy

M. D. Rasmussen

Department of Engineering, Aarhus University. Blichers Allé 20, DK-8830 Tjele,
Denmark;
e-mail: mdr@ase.au.dk

Abstract:

Conversion of biomasses to energy, food, feed and chemical building blocks for
further usage become increasingly important. Educations and research within biorefinery and
especially bioenergy have become popular and are offered at most universities in Europe.
Bioenergy is a very wide scientific area however, and we must educate students that possess the
qualifications to bring the industry and research forward. We must not just educate students that
know some general elements but students that really can go into the depth. Universities should
specialise and seek partners to complement educations and research areas.

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