List of Contributors xi
About the Editors xv
Preface xix

1 Introduction to Biomass Valorization and Green Chemistry 1
Suraini Abd-Aziz, Lai-Yee Phang, Mohamad Faizal Ibrahim, Mohd Azwan Jenol, and Muhammad Faez Aiman Muhd Azam

1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Biomass as a Renewable Feedstock 2
1.3 Relevance to Circular Economy Models 3
1.4 Composition and Variability of Biomass Feedstocks 3
1.5 Principles of Green Chemistry in Biomass Utilization 4
1.6 Minimization of Hazardous By-products 9
1.7 General Conversion Routes for Biomass Valorization 10
1.8 Biomass-derived Products 13
1.9 Conclusions 18

2 Feedstock Selection and Pretreatment Strategies 23
Mohd Azwan Jenol, Lai-Yee Phang, Mitra Mohammadi, and Muhammad Faiz Abu Samad

2.1 Introduction 23
2.2 Availability of Biomass for Fine Chemical Production 24
2.3 Starch-based Biomass 26
2.4 Other Types of Biomass Available for Bioconversion of Fine Chemicals 28
2.5 Feasibility of Pretreatment Strategies in Valorization of Biomass 30
2.6 Integrated and Emerging Pretreatment Strategies 39
2.7 Current State and Challenges in Biomass Availability and Processing 40
2.8 Conclusions 43

3 Catalytic and Green Solvent-assisted Biomass Conversion 47
Anamika Kushwaha, Adina Thankam George, Akhilesh Bind, Aman Prakash, Lalit Goswami, Suchada Chanprateep Napathorn, and Beom Soo Kim

3.1 Introduction 47
3.2 ILs and DESs for Biorefinery 48
3.3 Properties, Toxicity, Degradability, and Biocompatibility of ILs and DESs 49
3.4 Industrial Implementation of ILs and DESs in Biorefineries 51
3.5 Mechanisms of Biomass Pretreatment with Different Types of ILs and DESs 51
3.6 Comparison of the Different Biomass Pretreatments with IL Mechanisms 56
3.7 Technological Scale-up of ILs and DESs for Biorefinery Applications 58
3.8 Technological Challenges 63
3.9 Conclusions 64

4 Thermochemical and Biochemical Conversion Pathways 69
Khemmathin Lueangwattanapong, Nutchapon Chiarasumran, Maythee Saisriyoot, Anusith Thanapimmetha, and Penjit Srinophakun

4.1 Introduction 69
4.2 Thermochemical Pathway for Biomass-derived Fine Chemicals 70
4.3 Biochemical Conversion Pathway for Fine Chemicals 82
4.4 Comparative Analysis of Thermochemical and Biochemical Conversion Pathways 91
4.5 Conclusions 95

5 Biocatalysis and Enzyme-based Transformations 101
Adityas Agung Ramandani, Chi-Wei (John) Lan, Yu-Kaung Chang, and Kuan Shiong Khoo

5.1 Introduction 101
5.2 Enzymes as Green Catalysts 103
5.3 Classification of Biocatalytic Enzymes 109
5.4 Applications for Fine Chemical Synthesis 113
5.5 Advantages of Enzyme-based Transformations 114
5.6 Challenges in Industrial Biocatalysis 117
5.7 Conclusions 120

6 Biomass-derived Platform Chemicals for Fine Chemical Production 125
Misri Gozan, Andre Fahriz Perdana Harahap, Muryanto Muryanto, Kritsana Namhaed, and Worapon Kiatkittipong

6.1 Introduction 125
6.2 Biorefinery Concept 125
6.3 Primary Building Blocks from Lignocellulosic Biomass 130
6.4 Products and Applications 132
6.5 Lignin-derived Phenolic Compounds and Bio-based Aromatics 139
6.6 Industrial Relevance and Case Studies 140
6.7 Conclusions 142

7 Process Intensification, Technoeconomic Feasibility, and Life Cycle Assessment 147
Aye Myat Theint Kyaw, Penjit Srinophakun, Anusith Thanapimmetha, Maythee Saisriyoot, Khemmathin Lueangwattanapong, and Nutchapon Chiarasumran

7.1 Introduction to Process Intensification in Biomass Conversion 147
7.2 Advanced Reactor Designs 148
7.3 Integration of Separation and Reaction 150
7.4 Case Studies of Intensified Biomass Conversion Processes 151
7.5 Technoeconomic Feasibility Assessment 155
7.6 Economic Performance Indicators (NPV, IRR, Payback) 156
7.7 Sensitivity Analysis and Risk Assessment 157
7.8 Market Competitiveness and Policy Influences 157
7.9 Life Cycle Assessment 159
7.10 Integration of Findings and Strategic Insights 162
7.11 Conclusions and Future Outlook 163

8 Policy, Regulations, and Market Trends in Biomass-based Fine Chemicals 167
Ahmad Hanis Izani Abdul Hadi, Nitty Hirawaty Kamarulzaman, and Shaufique Fahmi Sidique

8.1 Introduction 167
8.2 Overview of Biomass-based Fine Chemicals 167
8.3 Global Market and Growth Trends 168
8.4 Global Policies and Incentives for Sustainable Chemical Production 168
8.5 Current Market Landscape, Key Feedstocks, and Supply Chain of Biomass 175
8.6 Challenges and Opportunities 179
8.7 Conclusions 181

9 Case Studies on Industrial and Academic Research Innovations 189
Zaiton Samdin, Norfaryanti Kamaruddin, and Nolila Mohd Nawi

9.1 Introduction 189
9.2 Overview of Oil Palm Biomass in Malaysia 191
9.3 Stakeholder Mapping in the Biomass Value Chain 194
9.4 Current Innovation Status of Fine Chemicals from Biomass 199
9.5 Enabling Innovation Pathways for Biomass-derived Fine Chemicals in Malaysia 202
9.6 Conclusions 206

10 Future Perspectives and Challenges in Green Biomass Utilization 211
Mohamad Faizal Ibrahim, Hussaini Adib Haslan, Fadhlullah Shahmi Azhar, and Suraini Abd-Aziz

10.1 Introduction 211
10.2 Emerging Trends and Novel Research Directions on Biomass Utilization 213
10.3 Technological Gaps and Innovation Opportunities 222
10.4 Global Policy Trends Supporting Biomass-derived Fine Chemicals 224
10.5 Conclusions 225

References 226
Index 229