Biomass for Bioenergy and Bioproducts

This volume presents an overview on the different types of biomass that can be used for the production on biofuels and a new generation of bioproducts. From foods to materials, and from biofuels to novel generation bioproducts, biomass is at the heart of the carbon cycle and at the base of human activities. All around the world, biomasses can be seen as an answer to the global problems caused by non-renewable energy sources. For each region, climate, and soil, there is a suitable type of biomass that can be produced as an energy crop. Food crops are also a source of residual biomass. The choice of the most appropriate crops as raw materials for traditional markets (food, nutrition and fiber) and emerging markets (energy, biomaterials, green chemistry) depends on technical and economic aspects, since the costs of raw materials represent a significant portion of product costs as well. Realizing the full potential of these biomasses depends also on a deep knowledge of their chemical properties and physical structure. The book starts with highlighting the importance of biomass for the world’s economy. It then explores the structure of the biomass of different feedstocks related to its main components: saccharides, starch or oil. The importance at the global economy-level, its productive chain and the generated residues at the industries that recover these primary products are also discussed. The next part of the book explores the structure and perspectives to the use of the three main components of the residual biomass: cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, as well as their structure and possible utilization.Recent advances of biomass pretreatment with the focus at biofuels production is also discussed, as well as the importance of the lignocellulosic biomass from the natural and planted forests.The book concludes by highlighting a number of applications where biomass is used to produce novel bioproducts. The book is of interest to researchers and professionals working in a field related to biomass or biofuel production, and to anyone interested in the latest developments in this area.