Synthesis of Bio-Based Polymers and Adjuvants through Biomass Valorization: Challenges and Opportunities

Graphical Abstract

Table of Contents: Bio-based polymers are high value-added molecules that can be obtained from lignocellulosic biomass. This work shows the trends in the literature in terms of catalytic strategies, emerging classes of molecules and the main challenges for obtaining these compounds aiming to replace traditional chemical routes, as well as improve physic-chemical and biological properties.

Abstract

In recent years, the synthesis of bio-based polymers and compounds has grown due to greater environmental concerns and the need to develop green and sustainable products as substitutes for fossil derivatives. In this context, lignocellulosic biomass is an important source of raw materials, as it is abundant and low-cost, in addition to its chemical variety. Thus, chemical catalysis and biocatalysis have been important tools for obtaining these high value-added compounds. With the aim of detecting the current scenario, as well as the main challenges and opportunities in the production of bio-based polymers through the valorization of biomass, this work carried out a technological investigation of articles published in the last 10 years, establishing a relationship between the conditions of each production route and its main challenges. The results show a growing number of publications in the last 6 years involving the application of biomass-derived molecules as monomers to obtain various classes of polymers, where polyesters and polyurethanes have been the most studied. The use of heterogeneous chemical catalysts is still the predominant production strategy, due to the extreme conditions required for production. However, the application of enzymes such as lipases to obtain polyesters and microbial biotransformation to obtain polyhydroxyalkanoates have been emerging as promising strategies within the context of biorefineries. Almost all works are at the proof-of-concept stage, where most of the molecules produced have been obtained from synthetic starting materials, demonstrating the need to integrate technologies for obtaining monomers directly from biomass and synthesis protocols for the advent of new processes that are more sustainable and competitive with traditional routes.