Recent Advances in Subcritical Water Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Biomass: Integrating Modern Extraction Techniques for Biorefinery Applications
摘要
Lignocellulosic biomass is a valuable and renewable resource for the sustainable production of biofuels and high-value chemicals. However, its rigid and recalcitrant structure presents significant challenges to efficient conversion. Traditional pretreatment methods, such as acid and alkaline hydrolysis, are commonly used to disrupt the biomass matrix but are often associated with environmental concerns and equipment corrosion due to the use of harsh chemicals. In contrast, subcritical water hydrolysis has emerged as a green and efficient alternative, utilizing only water under controlled temperature and pressure to achieve effective biomass deconstruction. In this review, subcritical water was applied directly to lignocellulosic feedstocks without the need for corrosive chemicals, enabling the selective breakdown of hemicellulose and cellulose and promoting the generation of simple sugars and other bioactive compounds in an eco-friendly manner. Recent advances in the integration of subcritical water with modern extraction technologies, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), are also discussed. The synergistic combination of these techniques offers enhanced efficiency, reduced processing time, and improved recovery of valuable compounds.