Cellulases in the Biofuel Industry discusses how the properties of cellulases affects the quality of the biofuels produced. Heralded as the solution to humanity's energy problem and the savior of the world's climate, extensive research is being carried out on biofuels but there are still gaps in our understanding. This book presents cost-effective and current scenarios for cellulase production in the biofuel industry, including the most recent advancements for obtaining cellulases with higher activity on pre-treated biomass substrates by screening and sequencing new organisms, engineering cellulases with improved properties, and by identifying proteins that can stimulate cellulases. The mechanism and efficiency of the cellulase enzyme system on cellulose is discussed with the specific classification of each cellulase enzyme, as well as explanations of the limitation of cellulases in terms of their production processes, efficiency and practical applications to biofuels. Various approaches to improve the production and efficiency of the cellulase enzyme system are evaluated, along with the current limitations that are hampering cost-effective production of cellulase and guidance on how these limitations might be resolved.

This book provides an updated and detailed overview on the recent developments of bioethanol technology. It looks at the historical perspectives, chemistry, sources and production of ethanol and discusses biotechnology breakthroughs and promising developments, its uses, advantages, problems, environmental effects and characteristics. In addition, it presents information about ethanol in different parts of the world and also highlights the challenges and future of ethanol. The first edition of this book was published as a SpringerBriefs in 2013. Since then, many new developments have taken place in the last six years. This new edition will highlight the evolution in bioethanol development from first-generation production to the futuristic fourth-generation bioethanol production, the various constraints and challenges involved, and the scope for development. This book caters to the audience who are interested in alternative transportation fuels which are both biodegradable and sustainable to the environment.

Lignocellulosic Biomass in Biotechnology highlights significant aspects of lignocellulose biotechnology, demonstrating its potential value from an application perspective. Sections cover the physico-chemical characteristics of lignocellulosic biomass, the physical and structural properties of hemicelluloses, celluloses and lignin, sources of lignocellulosic biomass , microorganisms and their lignocellulytic enzymes, enzymatic degradation of lignocellulosic biomass, regulation of cell-wall degrading enzymes, barriers to lignocellulose biodegradation, biotechnological importance of lignocellulosic biomass, lignocellulosic pretreatment techniques, bioprocessing of lignocellulosic biomass, lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment methods, valuable chemicals and products, techno-economic evaluation and future perspectives. This book answers questions surrounding the biotechnology of lignocelluloses. It is ideal for both students and professionals in the industry supply chain. It also provides a reference for researchers and administrators engaged in the utilization and industrial development of agricultural resources.

This book provides an updated and detailed overview on the recent developments of bioethanol technology. It looks at the historical perspectives, chemistry, sources and production of ethanol and discusses biotechnology breakthroughs and promising developments, its uses, advantages, problems, environmental effects and characteristics. In addition, it presents information about ethanol in different parts of the world and also highlights the challenges and future of ethanol. The first edition of this book was published as a SpringerBriefs in 2013. Since then, many new developments have taken place in the last six years. This new edition will highlight the evolution in bioethanol development from first-generation production to the futuristic fourth-generation bioethanol production, the various constraints and challenges involved, and the scope for development. This book caters to the audience who are interested in alternative transportation fuels which are both biodegradable and sustainable to the environment.

This book examines the background of fourth-generation biofuel production, use of genetically modified microalgae for production of fourth-generation biofuels; cultivation and harvesting of genetically modified microalgae; residue from biofuel extraction; health and environmental concerns of fourth-generation biofuels; regulations on cultivation and processing of the genetically modified algae; carbon dioxide sequestration; water footprint and current status and key challenges. The topic caters to academic researchers and industrial experts, who work in the field of biofuels as source of alternative fuel to achieve environmental and economic sustainability.

Biotechnology in the Chemical Industry: Towards a Green and Sustainable Future focuses on achievements and prospects for biotechnology in sustainable production of goods and services, especially those that are derived at present mostly from the traditional chemical industry. It considers the future impact of industrial biotechnology and lays out the major research areas which must be addressed to move from a flourishing set of scientific disciplines to a major contributor to a successful future knowledge-based economy. The book focuses on the research needed to underpin three broad topics: biomass, bio-processes and bio-products, including bio-energy. Readers, including advanced students, researchers, industry professionals, academics, analysts, consultants, and anyone else interested, or involved in biotechnology will find this book very informative.

Biobased Polymers: Properties and Applications in Packaging looks at how biopolymers may be used in packaging as a potential green solution. The book addresses bio-based feedstocks, production processes, packaging types, recent trends in packaging, the environmental impact of bio-based polymers, and legislative demands for food contact packaging materials. Chapters explore opportunities for biopolymers in key end-use sectors, the penetration of biopolymer based concepts in the packaging market, and barriers to widespread commercialization. As the development of bio-based material is an important factor for sustainably growing the packaging industry, these recent trends in consumer markets are extremely important as we move towards greener packaging. Hence, this resource is an invaluable addition on the topic.

Growing concerns about the rapid depletion of fossil fuel reserves, rising crude oil prices, energy security and global climate change have led to increased worldwide interest in renewable energy sources such as biofuels. In this context, biofuel production from renewable sources is considered to be one of the most sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels and a viable means of achieving environmental and economic sustainability. Although biofuel processes hold great potential to provide a carbon-neutral route to fuel production, first-generation production systems are characterized by considerable economic and environmental limitations. The advent of second-generation biofuels is intended to produce fuels from lignocellulosic biomass, the woody part of plants that does not compete with food production. However, converting woody biomass into fermentable sugars requires costly technologies. Therefore, third-generation biofuels from microalgae are considered to be a viable alternative energy resource, free from the major drawbacks associated with first and second-generation biofuels. This book examines the background of third-generation biofuel production; the advantages of algae over traditional biofuel crops; algal biomass production; algae harvesting and drying methods; production of biofuel from microalgae; and future prospects.

The book provides the most up-to-date information available on various biotechnological processes useful in the pulp and paper industry. The first edition was published in 2011, covering a specific biotechnological process or technique, discussing the advantages, limitations, and prospects of the most important and popular processes used in the industry. Many new developments have taken place in the last five years, warranting a second edition on this topic. The new edition contains about 35% new material covering topics in Laccase application in fibreboard; biotechnology in forestry; pectinases in papermaking; stickies control with pectinase; products from hemicelluloses; value added products from biorefinery lignin; use of enzymes in mechanical pulping.

This book presents detailed information on the production and properties of carbon fibers derived from lignin precursors. Focusing on future directions in the carbon fiber industry, it also introduces a novel process for obtaining high-purity lignin, a key aspect in the manufacture of high-quality carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is currently the most preferred lightweight manufacturing material and is rapidly becoming the material of choice for manufacturers around the world. Although more than 80% of commercial carbon fiber is estimated to use PAN (polyacrylonitrile) as a precursor, carbon fiber manufactured from PAN is expensive and therefore its application is limited to high-performance structural materials. Lignin is the second most abundant biopolymer in nature after cellulose and offers a carbon-rich, renewable resource. As a byproduct of the pulp and paper industry and the production of cellulosic ethanol, lignin is also available at low cost, making it an economically attractive alternative to PAN for the production of carbon fibers, as highlighted in this book. The information presented will be of interest to all those involved in the investigation of carbon fiber materials, carbon fiber manufacturers and carbon fiber users.

Pulp and Paper Industry: Chemical Recovery examines the scientific and technical advances that have been made in chemical recovery, including the very latest developments. It looks at general aspects of the chemical recovery process and its significance, black liquor evaporation, black liquor combustion, white liquor preparation, and lime reburning. The book also describes the technologies for chemical recovery of nonwood black liquor, as well as direct alkali regeneration systems in small pulp mills. In addition, it includes a discussion of alternative chemical recovery processes, i.e. alternative causticization and gasification processes, and the progress being made in the recovery of filler, coating color, and pigments. Furthermore, it discusses the utilization of new value streams (fuels and chemicals) from residuals and spent pulping liquor, including related environmental challenges.

Pulp and paper mill industries are always associated with the disposal problem of highly contaminated sludge or bio-solids. The development of innovative systems to maximize recovery of useful materials and/or energy in a sustainable way has become necessary. The management of wastes, in particular of industrial waste, in an economically and environmentally acceptable manner is one of the most critical issues facing modern industry, mainly due to the increased difficulties in properly locating disposal works and complying with even more stringent environmental quality requirements imposed by legislation. This book presents a general Introduction on waste management in the pulp and paper industry and contains topics on the generation of waste in pulp and paper mills, waste composition, methods of sludge pre-treatment, processes and technologies for conversion of pulp and paper mill waste into valuable products, waste reduction techniques employed in the pulp and paper Industry worldwide and future trends.

This book features in-depth and thorough coverage of Minimum Impact Mill Technologies which can meet the environmental challenges of the pulp and paper industry and also discusses Mills and Fiberlines that encompass "State-of-the-Art" technology and management practices. The minimum impact mill does not mean "zero effluent", nor is it exclusive to one bleaching concept. It is a much bigger concept which means that significant progress must be made in the following areas: Water Management, Internal Chemical Management, Energy Management, Control and Discharge of Non-Process Elements and Removal of Hazardous Pollutants. At the moment, there is no bleached kraft pulp mill operating with zero effluent. With the rise in environmental awareness due to the lobbying by environmental organizations and with increased government regulation there is now a trend towards sustainability in the pulp and paper industry. Sustainable pulp and paper manufacturing requires a holistic view of the manufacturing process. During the last decade, there have been revolutionary technical developments in pulping, bleaching and chemical recovery technology. These developments have made it possible to further reduce loads in effluents and airborne emissions. Thus, there has been a strong progress towards minimum impact mills in the pulp and paper industry. The minimum-impact mill is a holistic manufacturing concept that encompasses environmental management systems, compliance with environmental laws and regulations and manufacturing technologies.

Developments and Applications of Enzymes from Thermophilic Microorganisms extensively presents the industrial application of thermophilic/hyperthermophilic enzymes. The book brings thorough and in-depth coverage on the role of these enzymes in a broad range of industries, focusing on present scenarios of these enzymes in biofuel industries, including recent advancements. The use of thermophilic enzymes in 2G biorefineries may enable the whole production process to take place at high temperatures, allowing increased reaction rate and reduced costs. Researchers in biochemistry, microbiology, microbial technology, biotechnology, molecular biology and bioresource technology will benefit from the new insights given on potential applications of hyperthermophiles. Hyperthermophilic enzymes, many of which survive at temperatures at or above 100C, contain novel macromolecules and metabolic systems which represent a vast resource for fundamental molecular and physiological studies, and for potential exploitation in biotechnology.

Pulp and paper mill industries are always associated with the disposal problem of highly contaminated sludge or bio-solids. The development of innovative systems to maximize recovery of useful materials and/or energy in a sustainable way has become necessary. The management of wastes, in particular of industrial waste, in an economically and environmentally acceptable manner is one of the most critical issues facing modern industry, mainly due to the increased difficulties in properly locating disposal works and complying with even more stringent environmental quality requirements imposed by legislation. This book presents a general Introduction on waste management in the pulp and paper industry and contains topics on the generation of waste in pulp and paper mills, waste composition, methods of sludge pre-treatment, processes and technologies for conversion of pulp and paper mill waste into valuable products, waste reduction techniques employed in the pulp and paper Industry worldwide and future trends.

This book provides the most up-to-date information available on various biotechnological processes useful in the pulp and paper industry. Each of the twenty chapters covers a specific biotechnological process or technique, discussing the advantages, limitations, and future prospects of the most important and popular processes used in the industry. Topics covered include tree improvement, pulping, bleaching, deinking, fiber modification, biosolids management, and biorefining.

This book covers bleach plant effluents, that most polluting effluent from the pulp and paper industry. Disappearance of benthic invertebrates, a high incidence of fish diseases, and mutagenic effects on the aquatic fauna are some of the consequences of the disposal of bleach effluents into surface waters. This book describes environmental impact of bleach plant effluents, environmental regulations, and measures to reduce the pollution load by internal process modification and external treatment of bleach plant effluents.

Microbial Xylanolytic Enzymes describes the enzyme structure and its interaction with plant cell walls, the properties and production of different enzymes and their applications, and the knowledge gathered on the hydrolysis mechanism of hemicellulose. The knowledge gathered about the hydrolysis mechanism of the hemicelluloses, especially xylans, has greatly promoted the rapid application of these enzymes in new areas. In recent years, there has been a spurt of interest in xylan degrading enzymes due to their applications in several industrial processes, including paper and pulp industries, food and feed industries, biofuel industry, textile industry, chemical and pharmaceutical industry, brewing industry, and more. Xylan is the principal type of hemicellulose. An enzymatic complex is responsible for the hydrolysis of xylan, but the main enzymes involved are enzymes produced by fungi, bacteria, yeast, algae, protozoans, and more.

This book provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on the state-of-the-art techniques and aspects involved in environment-friendly pulping technologies. Traditional chemical and semi-chemical pulping processes are not environmentally friendly. Therefore, it has become important to look for alternative approaches to mitigate wastewater emissions in the paper industry, by making more stringent regulations to improve environmental conservation. In response to this problem, new raw materials need to be explored to replace traditional choices and also new pulping processes need to be developed based on less polluting, more easily recovered reagents. This book presents new and emerging deep eutectic solvents for lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment, and discusses the effects of deep eutectic solvents on biomass pretreatment and the production of value-added products. It also introduces biotechnological methods of pulping. Biotechnological processes help to make manufacturing processes cleaner and more efficient by reducing toxic chemical pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Given its scope, this book is of interest to applied chemists, foresters, chemical engineers, wood scientists, along with engineers and researchers involved in the pulp and paper industry as a valuable reference.

"Xylanolytic Enzymes" describes the enzyme structure and its interaction with plant cell walls, the properties and production of different enzymes and their application, and the knowledge gathered on the hydrolysis mechanism of hemicellulose. The knowledge gathered about the hydrolysis mechanism of the hemicelluloses, especially xylans, has greatly promoted the rapid application of these enzymes in new areas.

Recently there has been much industrial interest in xylan and its hydrolytic enzymatic complex, as a supplement and for the manufacturing of food, drinks, textiles, pulps and paper, and ethanol; and in xylitol production as a fermentation substrate for the production of enzymes. This book describes xylan as a major component of plant hemicelluloses.
Presents a thorough overview of all aspects of xylanolytic enzymesGives up-to-date authoritative information and cites pertinent researchIncludes studies on xylanase regulation and synergistic action between multiple forms of xylanase

Pulp and paper production has increased globally and will continue to increase in the near future. Approximately 155 million tons of wood pulp is produced worldwide and about 260 million is projected for 2010. To cope with the increasing demand, an increase in production and improved environmental performance is needed as the industry is under constant pressure to reduce environmental emissions to air and water. This book gives updated information on environmentally benign approaches for pulp bleaching, which can help solve the problems associated with conventional bleaching technologies.
Main focus is on the environmentally-friendly technologies that can help solve some of the problems associated with conventional bleaching technologiesInformation given is up-to-date, authoritative, and cites the experiences of many mills and pertinent research, which is of interest to those working in the industry or intending to do soCovers in great depth all the aspects of various bleaching processes including environmental issues

Carbon Fiber, Second Edition, brings together available information on the production, properties, application and future of carbon fibers. This book will be of interest to those involved in the investigation of carbon fiber, carbon fiber manufacturing, and users. In addition, the recycling of carbon fiber reinforced polymers and the manufacturing of composites from recycled carbon fiber reinforced polymers are discussed. The book offers in-depth coverage on the production of carbon fiber and the global carbon fiber market, demand and major growth drivers. Carbon structures from biowaste, waste lignin and novel processes to obtain high purity lignin are presented, along with future directions.

This book focuses on the properties of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and recent advances in their application in lignocellulosic biomass processing. Lignocellulosic biomass conversion to biofuels, biochemicals and other value-added products has attracted global attention because it is a readily available, inexpensive and renewable resource. However, in order for biomass technologies to be commercially viable, biomass recalcitrance needs to be cost-effectively reduced. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are new 'green' solvents that have the high potential for biomass processing thanks to their low cost, low toxicity, biodegradability, and easy recycling and reuse. After an overview of the current lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment, the book discusses the synthesis and physiochemical properties of DESs, as well as key findings on the effects of DES on cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin solubilization, biomass pretreatment and biomass crystallinity. It then addresses the enzymatic hydrolysis performance of DES-pretreated solids, compatibility of DESs with enzymes and microorganisms, and the recycling potential of DESs. Lastly, it compares DESs with ionic liquids, and examines the challenges and opportunities relating to extending the use of DESs in lignocellulosic processing.

Biomass to Energy Conversion Technologies: The Road to Commercialization examines biomass production, biomass types, properties and characterization, and energy conversion technologies with an emphasis on the production of a gaseous fuel to supplement the gas derived from the landfilling of organic wastes (landfill gas) and used in gas engines to produce electricity. The book discusses the integration of both fermentation and anaerobic digestion in a biorefinery concept that allows the production of ethanol-along with biogas-to be used to produce heat and electricity, thus improving overall energy balance. Included case studies based on worldwide projects discuss both risks and challenges. The main studies on the combination of both bioethanol and biogas production processes are reviewed and the strength and weakness of the integrated treatment for industrial application are highlighted. The book also considers gasification technologies and their potential for biomass gasification and lists the advantages and disadvantages of using of biomass as a source of energy, the path of commercialization of the various processes, energy related environmental issues.