Utilising Biomass in Biotechnology: A Circular Approach Discussing the Pretreatment of Biomass, Its Applications and Economic Considerations

This book addresses the developing area of biomass for technological applications. Written by leading researchers in the field, the book differs from other literature available by providing a detailed, in-depth discussion of the characteristics of these materials.

The use of biomass for technological applications is a rapidly growing area in materials engineering and green bioprocesses. In this approach, pre-treatments focus on the bioavailability of nutrients and facilitate the use of biomass for delivering byproducts (e.g. enzymes) and for bioenergy production, both of which are discussed at length in this book. In this regard, it explores various aspects of the structural complexity of residual biomass produced by agricultural, industrial and livestock activities for biotechnological purposes, and assesses both conventional and emerging pre-treatments (e.g. biological, enzymatic and physical–chemical).

This book reveals the advantages of these techniques, both individually and in combination, making it an excellent resource for all readers interested in cutting-edge applications of biomass.

Helen Treichel has a Ph.D. in Food Engineering, and is now a professor at the Federal University of Southern Border. She is leader of the Agroenergy research and coordinator of the Laboratory of Microbiology and Bioprocesses (LAMIBI) of UFFS (Erechim, Brazil), working mainly in the following subjects: Biochemical Engineering, Experiment Planning and Process Optimization, Production, Purification, Immobilization and Enzyme Application, Use of microorganisms and enzymes in the treatment or evaluation of effluents and residues, Fermentation Processes, Biomass, Bioenergy and Biofuels. 

Gislaine Fongaro graduated in Biology and has a Ph.D. in Biotechnology and Biosciences. She is currently professor at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. She works mainly in the following subjects: Reutilization and recycling of residual biomass, One Health and Circular Economy. 

Thamarys Scapini has a degree in Environmental Engineering. She isresearcher in the Laboratory of Microbiology and Bioprocesses from Federal University of Southern Border, Brazil. She is an expert in the development of biotechnologies and environmental bioprocesses aiming at the valuation of residues and reuse of agroindustrial byproducts for enzymatic studies. 

Aline Frumi Camargo graduated in Environmental Engineering. She is researcher in Laboratory of Microbiology and Bioprocesses from Federal University of Southern Border, Brazil. She is an expert in the use of microorganisms and enzymes to the treatment of effluents, Fermentation Processes, and recycle of Biomass for bioenergy and biofuels productions. 

Fábio Spitza Stefanski holds a degree in Environmental and Sanitary Engineering from Federal University of Southern Frontier (UFFS Campus Erechim, RS) and participates in scientific initiation projects with Microbiology and Bioprocesses, with emphasis on the use of enzymes extracted from agroindustrial byproducts for reuse and recovery in the environmental area. 

Bruno Venturin has an M.Sc. in Environmental Engineering and currently working on his Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering. He works in research projects in the Bioprocesses area with the reuse of by-products of the agroindustry for applications in bioenergy and wastewater treatment.