Whole Cell Biocatalysis of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural for Sustainable Biorefineries

Joana T Cunha,Lucília Domingues,Aloia Romaní

doi:10.3390/catal12020202

Joana T Cunha, Lucília Domingues + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/catal12020202

Copy DOI

Abstract

The implementation of cost-effective and sustainable biorefineries to substitute the petroleum-based economy is dependent on coupling the production of bioenergy with high-value chemicals. For this purpose, the US Department of Energy identified a group of key target compounds to be produced from renewable biomass. Among them, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) can be obtained by dehydration of the hexoses present in biomass and is an extremely versatile molecule that can be further converted into a wide range of higher value compounds. HMF derivatives include 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF), 5-hydroxymethyl-furan-2-carboxylic acid (HMFCA), 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF), 5-formyl-2-furancarboxylic acid (FFCA) and 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), all presenting valuable applications, in polymers, bioplastics and pharmaceuticals. Biocatalysis conversion of HMF into its derivatives emerges as a green alternative, taking into account the high selectivity of enzymes and the mild reaction conditions used. Considering these factors, this work reviews the use of microorganisms as whole-cell biocatalysts for the production of HMF derivatives. In the last years, a large number of whole-cell biocatalysts have been discovered and developed for HMF conversion into BHMF, FDCA and HMFCA, however there are no reports on microbial production of DFF and FFCA. While the production of BHMF and HMFCA mainly relies on wild type microorganisms, FDCA production, which requires multiple bioconversion steps from HMF, is strongly dependent on genetic engineering strategies. Together, the information gathered supports the possibility for the development of cell factories to produce high-value compounds, envisioning economical viable biorefineries.

Highlights

The world faces the progressive depletion of its fossil fuels reserves, with excessive consumption leading to an increase in the emission of greenhouse gases and in climate changes promoted by global warming
Considering these, and to contribute to the replacement of chemical approaches and development of sustainable biorefineries, this review focuses on the reported microorganisms used as whole-cell biocatalysts for the production of these HMF derivatives
This review discusses the array of microorganisms used as whole-cell biocatalysts for the production of HMF derivatives

Summary

Introduction

The world faces the progressive depletion of its fossil fuels reserves, with excessive consumption leading to an increase in the emission of greenhouse gases and in climate changes promoted by global warming These factors, coupled with the growing demand for energy for transportation, heating, industrial processes, among others, highlight the necessity to transition from a petroleum-based towards a bio-based economy. Process integration and conversion of all fractions of the biomasses into valueadded products has been recognized as key elements for a profitable biorefinery operation This encompasses the two main goals of a biorefinery: (1) the energetic goal, focusing on the replacement of petroleum by renewable carbons for fuel production, and (2) the economic goal, directing efforts towards the efficient production of biobased chemicals providing the financial incentive to maintain and expand the biorefining industry.

Reduction ofof

Findings

Conclusions