Consolidated Bioprocessing (CBP) is a promising technology for integrated biorefineries in which enzyme production, biomass hydrolysis, and the fermentation of C5 and C6 sugars into second-generation ethanol (2G ethanol) or other bioproducts are integrated into a single bioreactor. However, the development of a highly suitable microorganism for CBP, that efficiently secretes enzymes and ferments all released sugars simultaneously is still a challenge. Additionally, the selection of process conditions to enhance enzyme production and consequently biomass conversion is of high importance. In the present study, the influence of key process conditions on the production of hydrolytic enzymes and 2G ethanol by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae AC14 (producer of seven hydrolytic enzymes) was investigated, aiming for its application in CBP. When evaluating the composition of the fermentative medium, pH and oxygen supply, the best results in enzymatic activities per dry cell weight - dcw (2.13 IU.g−1dcw of total cellulases, 102.0 U.g−1dcw of xylanases, 7.38 U.g− 1dcw of β-glucosidase and 25.5 U.g−1dcw of β-xylosidase), ethanol yield (90.3
This study aimed to evaluate the ability of the Scenedesmus and Desmodesmus microalgae to biocapture carbon dioxide and accumulate lipids and pigments. In this study, the microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus S-321, Scenedesmus rubescens D-292, and Desmodesmus communis S-313 were cultured in the presence of different carbon dioxide concentrations (1–25
The accumulation of value-added coproducts and the reduction of lignin levels are two essential traits for lignocellulosic biomass intended for bioenergy applications. Sorghum is a premier bioenergy crop candidate, distinguished by its substantial biomass productivity, minimal nutrient needs, and resilience to heat and drought. Brown midrib (BMR) mutants, genetic variants characterized by naturally low lignin content, are particularly promising due to their lower recalcitrance and higher polysaccharide content. While various genetic engineering strategies have been used to enhance the amount of high-value coproducts in sorghum, these traits have not been combined with low-lignin characteristics. We generated new sorghum lines by crossing engineered varieties that accumulate the coproducts protocatechuate (DHBA) or 4-hydroxybenzoate (4-HBA) with a low-lignin BMR line. These lines were field-tested at two different locations to determine biomass composition and yields. Findings indicated that DHBA production remained stable when stacked with the BMR trait, which also preserved low lignin levels without negatively impacting biomass yield. Conversely, the combination of 4-HBA accumulation and the BMR trait led to yield losses relative to the unmodified BMR and reduced 4-HBA titers under certain growth conditions. While this research demonstrates that stacking low lignin with coproduct accumulation in sorghum is feasible, further investigation into the specific cultivation conditions of the modified crops remains necessary to optimize biomass yields and coproduct titers.
This bibliometric and critical review examines the evolution of scientific research on biochar application in energy-crop systems, emphasizing biomass productivity, soil quality, and soil carbon sequestration from 2007 to 2025. The bibliometric assessment comprised 409 records retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and integrated publication trends, thematic evolution, scientific collaboration networks, and agronomic and environmental evidence. Scientific production increased markedly during the period, despite interannual variability, accompanied by a shift from biochar production and physicochemical characterization toward field-scale agronomic performance, soil–biochar interactions, pyrogenic carbon persistence, life-cycle assessment, greenhouse gas mitigation, and engineered biochars. Physicochemical characterization nevertheless remained essential for interpreting biochar functionality. Field evidence indicates that crop responses depend on feedstock origin, pyrolysis conditions, biochar properties, application rate, soil characteristics, crop species, and experimental duration. Long-term studies and assessments of pyrogenic carbon stability support the potential of biochar to increase soil carbon stocks and contribute to durable carbon sequestration, although the magnitude and permanence of these effects vary across pedoclimatic conditions and management systems. Major research gaps include limited standardization of biochar characterization, insufficient long-term field validation under tropical conditions, incomplete evaluation of the environmental safety of modified biochars, and the absence of harmonized indicators integrating biomass productivity, soil carbon dynamics, greenhouse gas emissions, and carbon permanence. Overall, current evidence supports biochar as a soil amendment and carbon-management strategy for low-carbon bioenergy systems when material properties and application practices are aligned with site-specific agronomic constraints and validated under representative field conditions.
The financial potential of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) as a feedstock for biogas-based electricity generation was evaluated by integrating field-derived biomass-yield and specific methane-yield datasets with a farmer-level economic analysis in a tropical coastal region of southern Thailand. Four species—Dwarf, Pak Chong 1, Bana, and Suvarnabhumi (a newly developed Thai species)—were cultivated under two fertilization treatments and three harvest intervals (60, 90, and 120 days). The system was assessed for sustaining a 1 MW biogas power plant, incorporating transportation distances of 10–30 km and key financial indicators, including Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Payback Period (PBP). The results showed that SV-F52-C60 required the smallest cultivation area (134 ± 34 ha) and was retained as the integrated system-level recommendation, whereas PC-F52-C90 achieved the highest farmer-level financial return. Under the high biomass-price scenario of 42.86/t and a transportation distance of 10 km, SV-F52-C60 generated a net profit of3,748/ha/year, with an NPV of 21,526/ha, an IRR of 241.7
