Biorefining lignocellulose into feed and food: the case of sugarcane and a technology outlook.

Abstract: This Perspective explores how new technologies can expand lignocellulose biorefineries to include coproducts for animal feed and microbial protein with potential applications in human food. Using the Brazilian sugarcane industry as a case study, the analysis highlights synergies from the s...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: CEDENO, F. R. P., PETRIELLI, G. P., MEDEIROS, S. R. de, BERNDT, A., HERNANDES, T. A. D., BONOMI, A., DRIEMEIER, C.
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:Brasil
Institución:Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (Embrapa)
Repositorio:Repositório Institucional da EMBRAPA (Repository Open Access to Scientific Information from EMBRAPA - Alice)
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:www.alice.cnptia.embrapa.br:doc/1181868
Acceso en línea:http://www.alice.cnptia.embrapa.br/alice/handle/doc/1181868
https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1653367
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Lignocellulose
Bagasse
Sugarcane bagasse
Pretreatment
Biorefining
Feeds
Ethanol production
Descripción
Sumario:Abstract: This Perspective explores how new technologies can expand lignocellulose biorefineries to include coproducts for animal feed and microbial protein with potential applications in human food. Using the Brazilian sugarcane industry as a case study, the analysis highlights synergies from the spatial coexistence of sugarcane and livestock, as well as economies of scale and product multiplicity in biorefineries. The technology outlook examines selected biomass pretreatments that can generate pretreated biomass with dual use: reactive intermediate for cellulosic ethanol production and ruminant nutrition. However, reliance on biorefined feed requires rebalancing ruminant diets and enhancing nutritional value. Emerging technologies for microbial protein production from biorefining streams are briefly contextualized, considering the potential addition in the diets of livestock and humans. In conclusion, research and development in this domain can unlock key opportunities to enhance the sustainability of bio-based value chains.