| Summary: |
Multistage cascade processes are proposed for the integral and efficient utilization of two different types of biomass, brown macroalgae (Sargassum muticum, an abundant invasive alga in the Atlantic coast) and vegetal biomass (Paulownia tomentosa, a fast-growing lignocellulosic material). The utilization of renewable natural raw materials shows a number of advantages and presents increasing social interest and aceptation.
The two main researchers of this proposal had already studied the extraction of bioactives from Sargassum muticum (CTM2012-38095)
and the production of bioethanol and chemicals from Paulownia tomentosa wood (CTQ2012-30855). The present joint project is based on the previously obtained expertise and results. To maximize the benefit from biomass, different products will be obtained: bioactives (from paulownia flowers, leaves and bark), second generation bioethanol (from paulownia residual biomass) and third generation ethanol (from sargassum biomass), and utilization of residual lignin for the production of polyols for the chemical industry. The objectives include the design and validation of processes for the sequential extraction of compounds having different chemical nature
(terpenoids, phenolics, saccharides) using microwave technology and green solvents (subcritical water and supercritical carbon dioxide)
and the production of second and third generations bioethanol both from soluble and residual fractions, to achieve an integral utilization of
terrestrial and marine raw materials. The proposed scheme consists on the study of:
1) Extraction of bioactives from paulownia flowers, leaves and bark:
a. Assisted by microwave-gravity and solvent free
b. Using carbon dioxide for both the direct processing of the raw material and for fractionation of crude solvent extracts previously
produced with conventional solvents.
c. Microwave asssited hydrothermal treatment of either S. muticum and P. tomentosa, ot their solid residues remaining after  |
Summary
Multistage cascade processes are proposed for the integral and efficient utilization of two different types of biomass, brown macroalgae (Sargassum muticum, an abundant invasive alga in the Atlantic coast) and vegetal biomass (Paulownia tomentosa, a fast-growing lignocellulosic material). The utilization of renewable natural raw materials shows a number of advantages and presents increasing social interest and aceptation.
The two main researchers of this proposal had already studied the extraction of bioactives from Sargassum muticum (CTM2012-38095)
and the production of bioethanol and chemicals from Paulownia tomentosa wood (CTQ2012-30855). The present joint project is based on the previously obtained expertise and results. To maximize the benefit from biomass, different products will be obtained: bioactives (from paulownia flowers, leaves and bark), second generation bioethanol (from paulownia residual biomass) and third generation ethanol (from sargassum biomass), and utilization of residual lignin for the production of polyols for the chemical industry. The objectives include the design and validation of processes for the sequential extraction of compounds having different chemical nature
(terpenoids, phenolics, saccharides) using microwave technology and green solvents (subcritical water and supercritical carbon dioxide)
and the production of second and third generations bioethanol both from soluble and residual fractions, to achieve an integral utilization of
terrestrial and marine raw materials. The proposed scheme consists on the study of:
1) Extraction of bioactives from paulownia flowers, leaves and bark:
a. Assisted by microwave-gravity and solvent free
b. Using carbon dioxide for both the direct processing of the raw material and for fractionation of crude solvent extracts previously
produced with conventional solvents.
c. Microwave asssited hydrothermal treatment of either S. muticum and P. tomentosa, ot their solid residues remaining after previous
extraction stages, optimized to obtain bioactives and improve the pretreatment for ethanol production.
2) Production of second and third generation bioethanol:
a. From P. tomentosa wood, based on the results of the previous project and studying the use of microwaves in the pretreatment,
utilization of selected microorganisms to improve production and recycling enzymes.
b. From the solid and liquid phases remaining after the extraction of bioactives from S. muticum, applying a pretreatment (catalyzed or
not).
c. From the solid and liquid phases resulting from the extraction of bioactives from Paulownia bark, flowers and leaves.
d. Jointly from P. tomentosa wood and from the residual solids remaining after extraction.
e. Valorization of residual lignin through production of polyols.
5) Techno-economic evaluation to select the optimal alternatives. |