Lignocellulosic Biomass as Replenishable Source for the Derivation of Biofuel and Value-Added Products of Global Significance

The depleting conventional oil resources has led to the drift in focus toward the use of lignocellulose-based agricultural biomass into bioenergy and value-added commodities. However, the real-time implementation of lignocellulosic biorefinery platforms is constrained due to their structural recalcitrance, which hinders subsequent process conversion. Thus, the present chapter explores the existing literature pertaining to the techniques of transforming lignin-rich feedstocks, including the processes for pretreatments/delignification and its conversion into biofuel or industrially relevant commodities. The enviro-economic feasibility challenges linked with the process conversion were elucidated. Further, the recent advances and recommendations in terms of technologies to facilitate effective scaleup and implementation are discussed. Overall, the study would assist the researchers and stakeholders in providing the guidelines to overcome the technical obstacles during industrial-scale endeavors linked with the establishment of sustainable lignocellulosic biorefinery.