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Etit D, Meramo S, Ögmundarson Ó, Jensen MK, Sukumara S. Can biotechnology lead the way toward a sustainable pharmaceutical industry? Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 87:103100. [PMID: 38471403 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The impact-intensive and rapidly growing pharmaceutical industry must ensure its sustainability. This study reveals that environmental sustainability assessments have been conducted for only around 0.2% of pharmaceuticals, environmental impacts have significant variations among the assessed products, and different impact categories have not been consistently studied. Highly varied impacts require assessing more products to understand the industry's sustainability status. Reporting all impact categories will be crucial, especially when comparing production technologies. Biological production of (semi)synthetic pharmaceuticals could reduce their environmental costs, though the high impacts of biologically produced monoclonal antibodies should also be optimized. Considering the sustainability potential of biopharmaceuticals from economic, environmental, and social perspectives, collaboratively guiding their immense market growth would lead to the industry's sustainability transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Etit
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Samir Meramo
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ólafur Ögmundarson
- Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Iceland, Nýi Garður, Sæmundargata 2, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Michael K Jensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sumesh Sukumara
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
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Maisterra M, Atienza-Martínez M, Hablich K, Moreira R, Martínez-Merino V, Gandía LM, Cornejo A, Bimbela F. Innovative flow-through reaction system for the sustainable production of phenolic monomers from lignocellulose catalyzed by supported Mo 2C. CHEMSUSCHEM 2024; 17:e202301591. [PMID: 38179896 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202301591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Molybdenum carbide supported on activated carbon (β-Mo2C/AC) has been tested as catalyst in the reductive catalytic fractionation (RCF) of lignocellulosic biomass both in batch and in Flow-Through (FT) reaction systems. High phenolic monomer yields (34 wt.%) and selectivity to monomers with reduced side alkyl chains (up to 80 wt.%) could be achieved in batch in the presence of hydrogen. FT-RCF were made with no hydrogen feed, thus via transfer hydrogenation from ethanol. Similar selectivity could be attained in FT-RCF using high catalyst/biomass ratios (0.6) and high molybdenum loading (35 wt.%) in the catalyst, although selectivity decreased with lower catalyst/biomass ratios or molybdenum contents. Regardless of these parameters, high delignification of the lignocellulosic biomass and similar monomer yields were observed in the FT mode (13-15 wt.%) while preserving the holocellulose fractions in the delignified pulp. FT-RCF system outperforms the batch reaction mode in the absence of hydrogen, both in terms of activity and selectivity to reduced monomers that is attributed to the two-step non-equilibrium processes and the removal of diffusional limitations that occur in the FT mode. Even though some molybdenum leaching was detected, the catalytic performance could be maintained with negligible loss of activity or selectivity for 15 consecutive runs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maitane Maisterra
- Institute for Advanced Material and Mathematics (INAMAT2) -, Department of Sciences, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Ed. 'Los Acebos', Campus de Arrosadia S/N, 31006, Pamplona, Spain
| | - María Atienza-Martínez
- Institute for Advanced Material and Mathematics (INAMAT2) -, Department of Sciences, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Ed. 'Los Acebos', Campus de Arrosadia S/N, 31006, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Karina Hablich
- Institute for Advanced Material and Mathematics (INAMAT2) -, Department of Sciences, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Ed. 'Los Acebos', Campus de Arrosadia S/N, 31006, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Rui Moreira
- CIEPQPF, FCTUC, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II - Pinhal de Marrocos, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Víctor Martínez-Merino
- Institute for Advanced Material and Mathematics (INAMAT2) -, Department of Sciences, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Ed. 'Los Acebos', Campus de Arrosadia S/N, 31006, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Luis M Gandía
- Institute for Advanced Material and Mathematics (INAMAT2) -, Department of Sciences, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Ed. 'Los Acebos', Campus de Arrosadia S/N, 31006, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Alfonso Cornejo
- Institute for Advanced Material and Mathematics (INAMAT2) -, Department of Sciences, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Ed. 'Los Acebos', Campus de Arrosadia S/N, 31006, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Fernando Bimbela
- Institute for Advanced Material and Mathematics (INAMAT2) -, Department of Sciences, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Ed. 'Los Acebos', Campus de Arrosadia S/N, 31006, Pamplona, Spain
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Kramarenko A, Uslu A, Etit D, D'Angelo FN. 2-step lignin-first catalytic fractionation with bifunctional Pd/ß-zeolite catalyst in a flow-through reactor. CHEMSUSCHEM 2024:e202301404. [PMID: 38193653 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202301404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
This work demonstrates an additive and hydrogen-free 2-step lignin-first fractionation in flow-through. First, solvolytic delignification renders lignin liquors with its native chemical structure largely intact; and second, ß-zeolite catalytic depolymerization of these liquors leads to similar monomer yields as the corresponding 1-step fractionation process. Higher delignification temperatures lead to slightly lower ß-O-4 content in the solvated lignin, but does not affect significantly the monomer yield, so a higher temperature was overall preferred as it promotes faster delignification. Deposition of Pd on ß-zeolite resulted in a bifunctional hydrogenation/dehydration catalyst, tested during the catalytic depolymerization of solvated lignin with and without hydrogen addition. Pd/ß-zeolite displays synergistic effects (compared to the Pd/γ-Al2 O3 and ß-zeolite tested individually and as a mixed bed), resulting in higher monomer yield. This is likely caused by increased acidity and the proximity between the metallic and acid active sites. Furthermore, different ß-zeolite with varying SAR and textural properties were studied to shed light onto the effect of acidity and porosity in the stabilization of lignin monomers. While some of the catalysts showed stable performance, characterization of the spent catalyst reveals Al leaching (causing acidity loss and changes in textural properties), and some degree of coking and Pd sintering.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kramarenko
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Het Kranenveld 145612, AZ, Eindhoven, Nederlands
| | - A Uslu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Het Kranenveld 145612, AZ, Eindhoven, Nederlands
| | - D Etit
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Het Kranenveld 145612, AZ, Eindhoven, Nederlands
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial college, London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - F Neira D'Angelo
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Het Kranenveld 145612, AZ, Eindhoven, Nederlands
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Kong X, Liu C, Zeng H, Fan Y, Zhang H, Xiao R. Selective Cleavage of Methylene Linkage in Kraft Lignin over Commercial Zeolite in Isopropanol. CHEMSUSCHEM 2024; 17:e202300996. [PMID: 37677102 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202300996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Lignin is an aromatic polymer that constitutes over 30 wt% of lignocellulosic biomass and is the most important source of renewable aromatics in nature. The global paper industry generates more than 70 million tons of Kraft lignin annually. Depolymerization of Kraft lignin to value-added monomers can significantly enhance the profitability of biorefinery. However, the method is impeded by the severe condensation of Kraft lignin during the pulping process, which forms robust C-C bonds and results in low monomer yields. In this study, we present a stepwise approach for producing valuable aromatic monomers from Kraft lignin through the cleavage of both C-O and C-C bonds. The approach initiated with complete cleavage of C-O bonds between lignin units within Kraft lignin through alcoholysis in isopropanol, resulting in a monomer yield of 8.9 %. Subsequently, the selective cleavage of methylene linkages present in the residual dimers and oligomers was achieved with commercial MCM-41 zeolite in the same pot, proceeding with an additional monomer yield of 4.0 %, thereby increasing the total monomer yield by 45 %. This work provides an avenue for increasing the depolymerization efficiency of Kraft lignin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangchen Kong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion & Control, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Chao Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion & Control, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Hongyun Zeng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion & Control, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yuyang Fan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion & Control, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Huiyan Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion & Control, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Rui Xiao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion & Control, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
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Wang Y, Tong C, Liu Q, Han R, Liu C. Intergrowth Zeolites, Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalysis. Chem Rev 2023; 123:11664-11721. [PMID: 37707958 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Microporous zeolites that can act as heterogeneous catalysts have continued to attract a great deal of academic and industrial interest, but current progress in their synthesis and application is restricted to single-phase zeolites, severely underestimating the potential of intergrowth frameworks. Compared with single-phase zeolites, intergrowth zeolites possess unique properties, such as different diffusion pathways and molecular confinement, or special crystalline pore environments for binding metal active sites. This review first focuses on the structural features and synthetic details of all the intergrowth zeolites, especially providing some insightful discussion of several potential frameworks. Subsequently, characterization methods for intergrowth zeolites are introduced, and highlighting fundamental features of these crystals. Then, the applications of intergrowth zeolites in several of the most active areas of catalysis are presented, including selective catalytic reduction of NOx by ammonia (NH3-SCR), methanol to olefins (MTO), petrochemicals and refining, fine chemicals production, and biomass conversion on Beta, and the relationship between structure and catalytic activity was profiled from the perspective of intergrowth grain boundary structure. Finally, the synthesis, characterization, and catalysis of intergrowth zeolites are summarized in a comprehensive discussion, and a brief outlook on the current challenges and future directions of intergrowth zeolites is indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- State Key Laboratory of Engines, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Chengzheng Tong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- State Key Laboratory of Engines, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Qingling Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- State Key Laboratory of Engines, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Rui Han
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- State Key Laboratory of Engines, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Caixia Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- State Key Laboratory of Engines, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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Jindal M, Uniyal P, Thallada B. Reductive catalytic fractionation as a novel pretreatment/lignin-first approach for lignocellulosic biomass valorization: A review. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 385:129396. [PMID: 37369316 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Presently, the use of lignocellulosic biomass is mainly focused on creating pulp/paper, energy, sugars and bioethanol from the holocellulose component, leaving behind lignin to be discarded or burned as waste despite of its highest aromatic carbon and energy content (22-29 KJ/g). During the pulping process, lignin undergoes significant structural changes to yield technical lignin. For a circular bioeconomy, there is an urgent need to enhance the use of native lignin for generating more valuable products. Over the last few years, a new method called 'lignin-first', or 'reductive catalytic fractionation' (RCF), has been devised to achieve selective phenolic monomers under mild reaction conditions. This involves deconstructing lignin before capitalizing on carbohydrates. The objective of this study is to record the recent developments of the 'lignin-first' process. This review also underlines the contribution of RCF biorefinery towards achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) and concludes with an overview of challenges and upcoming opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenu Jindal
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Sector 19, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India; Material Resource Efficiency Division, CSIR - Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun-248005, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Priyanka Uniyal
- Material Resource Efficiency Division, CSIR - Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun-248005, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Bhaksar Thallada
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Sector 19, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India; Material Resource Efficiency Division, CSIR - Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun-248005, Uttarakhand, India.
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