M. Lopretti^1,*#, N. Lecot^1,2,#, A. Rodriguez³, G. Lluberas¹, F. Orozco⁴, L. Bolaños⁴, G. Montes De Oca⁴, H. Cerecetto², J. Vega-Baudrit^4,5

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.7, No.4, pp. 313-324, 2019, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2019.00008

Abstract The biomass industrialization valorisation of grains and cereals is considered an opportunity for the countries where agro-industrial activity is one of its main economic activities, rendering new higher-value products with a concomitant solution to waste accumulation issues. To that end, in this work we describe and characterise bioactive compounds generation from rice husk by semi-solid fermentation, obtained from 500 g of the material at room temperature and 60% humidity with mixed cultures of Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Gloeophyllum trabeum. The extract was evaluated in different situations: murine mammary tumour cells (4T1), normal cells (NIH 3T3) and in Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Trichoderma… More >

Cristiane S. Farinas*, José Manoel Marconcini, Luiz Henrique C. Mattoso

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.6, No.2, pp. 203-216, 2018, DOI:10.7569/JRM.2017.6341578

Abstract The conversion of sugarcane lignocellulosic biomass into fuels, chemicals and high-value materials using the biochemical pathway is considered the most sustainable alternative for the implementation of future biorefineries. Actually, the first large-scale cellulosic ethanol plants that have started operating worldwide apply the enzymatic hydrolysis process to convert biomass into simple sugars that are fermented to ethanol by yeasts. However, several technological challenges still need to be addressed in order to obtain commercially competitive products. This review describes current challenges and perspectives regarding the enzymatic hydrolysis step for processing sugarcane lignocellulosic biomass within the biorefinery. Recent developments in terms of process… More >

Rafael Grande^1*, Eliane Trovatti², Maria Tereza B. Pimenta³, Antonio J. F. Carvalho¹

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.6, No.2, pp. 195-202, 2018, DOI:10.7569/JRM.2018.634109

Abstract Research involving the preparation of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) from sugarcane bagasse is a relevant topic to the production of new nanomaterials and more accessible cellulose substrates for the production of second generation ethanol. Regarding the transformation of cellulose into glucose, the precursor of second generation ethanol, this nanosized cellulosic substrate represents a more appropriate material for the chemical hydrolysis process. The high aspect ratio of MFC improves hydrolysis, requiring mild conditions and decreasing the generation of by-products. Here, MFC was prepared from sugarcane bagasse by ultrasound defibrillation. This material was oxidized with 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl (TEMPO) to produce negatively charged high defibrillated… More >

Nicolás M. Clauser^1*, Soledad Gutiérrez², María C. Area¹, Fernando E. Felissia¹, María E. Vallejos¹

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.6, No.2, pp. 139-151, 2018, DOI:10.7569/JRM.2017.634145

Abstract Small-scale biorefinery from sugarcane bagasse offers new possibilities to the sugar and ethanol industries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a small-scale biorefinery for the production of xylitol from sugarcane bagasse. The liquid fraction from the autohydrolysis treatment was selected as the source of sugars for xylitol and two scenarios were analyzed for the residual solid: ethanol or pellet production. A technical-economic analysis of alternatives was applied. The internal rate of return (IRR) was used to compare the selected proposals. The highest IRR values were obtained when processing 70,000 dry tons per year of bagasse.… More >

Mary Isabel Lopretti^1,2*, Natalia Irene Baldyga³, Maria Gonzalez¹, Laura Beatriz Olazabal³, Marina Graciela Torres³, Fernando Resquin⁴, Leonidas Carrasco⁴

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.4, No.1, pp. 66-71, 2016, DOI:10.7569/JRM.2015.634133

Abstract Nowadays, there is a great interest in using lignocellulosic materials as substrate for the production of biorefi nery products. Eucalypti are good options to use as crops to obtain different kinds of biofuels and derivatives, since their plantations show high adaptation potential to soil and weather conditions in Uruguay. The basic process steps involved in the obtainment of biorefi nery materials are: pretreatment, hydrolysis, fermentation and products separation. As delignifi cation is an important process to obtain biorefi nery products, in this context the evaluation of the biological (BT) and hydrothermal (TT) pretreatment of different species of Eucaliptus was studied.… More >