Sustainable bioresource utilization: Advancing energy, environmental, and biomedical applications

As the global demand for sustainable solutions intensifies, the conversion of high-availability, low-utilization biomass (HALUB) into valuable resources has emerged as a pivotal strategy. Traditional reliance on fossil fuels and conventional materials contributes to environmental degradation and resource depletion. To address these concerns, researchers are pioneering bioresource upgrading strategies that leverage thermochemical, biochemical, electrochemical, and photochemical conversion techniques to create sustainable energy, advanced materials, and biomedical applications.

A research team led by Xingcai Zhang from Harvard University has outlined cutting-edge approaches for transforming HALUB into biofuels, high-value chemicals, and functional materials. By integrating machine learning, techno-economic analysis, and life cycle assessment, researchers are optimizing conversion processes for maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact.

Key conversion pathways include:

• Thermochemical Conversion (TC): Pyrolysis, gasification, and hydrothermal liquefaction enable the transformation of biomass into syngas, biochar, and liquid fuels.
• Biochemical Conversion (BC): Enzymatic hydrolysis and microbial fermentation facilitate the production of bioethanol, biostimulants, and biofertilizers with conversion efficiencies exceeding 90%.
• Electrochemical Conversion (EC): Innovative electrocatalysis and microbial fuel cells generate bioelectricity and platform chemicals such as organic acids and aldehydes.
• Photochemical Conversion (PTC): Light-driven catalysis offers promising routes for sustainable material synthesis and environmental remediation.

HALUB-derived carbon materials exhibit exceptional surface areas exceeding 3000 m²/g, making them ideal for supercapacitors, ion batteries, and gas storage applications. Lignocellulosic biomass, when subjected to controlled pyrolysis, yields biochar with tailored porosity for efficient adsorption and catalysis.

Advanced bio-based nanomaterials, including nanostructured carbons, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and polymer nanocomposites, are unlocking new functionalities in sustainable energy storage and environmental protection. Additionally, microfluidic and micro/nanomotor-powered sustainable materials are paving the way for next-generation biomedical applications, such as drug delivery and tissue engineering.

Bioresource upgrading also plays a crucial role in biomedical innovations. Researchers are harnessing bio-derived materials for applications in wound healing, regenerative medicine, and biosensing. Electrospun nanofibers and bioactive hydrogels synthesized from biomass precursors exhibit remarkable biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties, offering novel solutions for personalized healthcare.

On the energy front, microalgal biomass has demonstrated a biofuel high heating value (HHV) of 35.72 MJ/kg, positioning it as a competitive alternative to fossil fuels. The techno-economic evaluation of biofuel production highlights a potential benefit of $749 per ton of biomass, reinforcing its economic viability in a low-carbon future.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain in the scalability and integration of bioresource conversion technologies into existing industrial frameworks. Enhancing material stability, optimizing catalyst performance, and reducing process costs are critical areas for future research. Additionally, developing multimodal biorefineries capable of producing a diverse range of energy products and materials will be essential for achieving a truly circular bioeconomy.

The transformation of HALUB into sustainable energy, environmental, and biomedical solutions marks a significant step toward carbon neutrality and resource efficiency. By combining interdisciplinary approaches—ranging from machine learning-driven process optimization to nanotechnology-enabled material engineering—bioresource upgrading is poised to impact multiple sectors. As research progresses, these innovations will play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and fostering a greener, more resilient future.