Title : Chemocatalytic conversion of biomass-derived glucose and cellobiose to glucaric acid without carbon-carbon bond cleavage
Abstract:
Biopolymers containing glucose as the monomeric unit are abundant in plant-derived biomass. It can be produced by hydrolysis of starch containing material waste and lignocellulosic material. In biorefineries, glucose valorization is an important industry that produces compounds such as gluconic acid (GOA), glucaric acid (GAA), and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and their derivatives. Glucaric and Gluconic acid can be employed as food additives, pharmaceuticals, polymers such as polyacetonide gluconic acid, amphiphilic polymers, and long-term metal coordination chelating agents. The one-pot oxidation of glucose/cellobiose to glucaric acid or the two-step mild oxidation to gluconic acid can be used to establish a novel commercial process. This study reveals that Cu-Co based catalysts may effectively synthesize gluconic acid under mild temperature and pressure environments, as well as basic pH values. Nonetheless, utilizing a one-pot procedure with yields of up to 87% produced under comparable industrial circumstances. This study proposes a two- stage reactor system in series to boost yield and efficiency. This methodology not only eliminates the selectivity issue from the direct way of glucaric acid production, but it also resolves the separation issue downstream, which may result in additional costs. The first reactor would make gluconic acid by oxidizing glucose, while the second reactor would lead to the production of glucaric acid principally in a similar solvent from previously produced gluconic acid. This research explored into a novel way of producing monomers for biomass-based polymers.
Audience Take Away
- Scientists have been looking for more environmentally benign methods of creating chemicals and fuels, mostly from biomass and its wastes, which are abundant renewable raw materials. The production of biomaterials, biofuels, and energy is all incorporated into the concept of a modern biorefinery. A collection of platform molecules (building blocks) obtained from biomass has been explored in order to create alternative chemicals for those in the petrochemical chain. Integrated processes improve the economics of a biorefinery and optimize the product life cycle.
- The US Department of Energy has ranked furan derivatives among the top ten biobased compounds in terms of commercial potential, there has been an increased emphasis on producing HMF from lignocellulose biomass or biomass-derived C6-carbohydrates such as glucose or fructose. Acid- catalyzed reactions might, for example, produce C7-C15 liquid alkanes, polymers, and a wide spectrum of commercial solvents and chemicals from biomass-derived carbohydrates. This indicates that the issue of biomass-based refinery will be open for comprehensive discussion, therefore there will be plenty of broad discussion about biomass-based refinery available.
- The food and cleaning industries will be the key drivers of the $1.41 billion GAA (Glucaric acid) market by 2028, with a focus on Asia, North America, and Europe. Because of its vast range of applications, this industry is likely to increase. The global GOA (Gluconic acid) market, which was valued at $1 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $1.9 billion by 2028, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5%. PMP Fermentation Products, Shandong Fuyang Biotechnology, Roquette Frères, Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, and other market competitors compete for a larger market share in this geographically distributed market that spans North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and Africa. With more individuals trying to include GOA into culinary products, Asia-Pacific has the most potential for growth in the next years. India is the region's largest importer of GOA, while China and Japan are the top exporters and producers.
- There is a growing market for GOA and its derivatives because to the numerous possible applications in the culinary, pharmaceutical, and construction industries. In this circumstance, it is preferable to improve the current GOA production pathways. Even if the fermentative process is the most common for large-scale production, there are still challenges that keep manufacturing costs from falling. Because more stable and selective catalysts for converting GOA to GLA are being developed, the catalytic method appears to be a viable option.
