Bio-based Products for Sugar-derived Chemicals as Biomass Feedstock

Mónica M. Medina-Quintana1, Nelson Cardona-Martínez1

1Chemical Engineering Department, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez P.R.

Abstract Background Flow-chart for Sugar-derived Chemicals

Biomass refers to living or recently dead Interest in using biomass feedstock to as Biomass Feedstock
matter produced in a determined area of the produce power, liquid fuels and chemical is the Biomass Intermediate
land or by a specific type of organism. This term U.S. is increasing. In 1978 Congress enacted Feedstocks Platforms Building Blocks Intermediates Products / Uses

includes all plants and plant-derived material that
can be used as a sustainable feedstock for the
the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act in an
effort to diversify and strengthen domestic Glycerol
Industrial:
Corrosion inhibitors, dust control, boiler water
treatment, gas purification, emission abatement,

production of transportation fuels, products and energy production. Out of this background
specialty lubricants, hoses, seals
Lactic Solvents

power. Biomass quality and quantity and industry emerges the biomass power industry in
3-Hydroxypropionate
C3
Transportation:
Propionic acid

ability to cost effectively utilize it marks the 1980. Instead of burning non- renewable fuels,
Fuels, oxygenates, anti-freeze, wiper fluids molded
plastics, car seats, belts hoses, bumpers, corrosion
inhibitors
Malonic acid Emulsifiers

success of the bioindustry. The following work biomass power plants combust organic matter Serine

identifies a group of promising sugar derived to generate electricity, heat and fuels. At the Textiles:
Carpets, fibers, fabric coatings, foam cushions,

chemicals and materials that could serve as an beginning biomass power plants combust wood
upholstery, drapes, lycra, spandex
Succinic acid Resins, crosslinkers

economic driver for a biorefinery. waste, then it is not sufficient and products like
Fumaric acid

Starch Malic acid Safe food supply:

sawmills, forest thinning, agricultural C4 Aspartic acid Polyethers

Food packaging, preservatives, fertilizers, pesticides,
beverage bottles, appliances, beverage can coatings,
vitamins

byproducts, orchard removals and urban wood Sugars

Glucose
3-Hydroxybutyrolactone

waste reducing the risk of wildfire in the forests, Fructose Acetoin Environment:
Water chemicals, flocculants, chelators, cleaners and
Hemicellulose Xylose detergents

avoiding tons of open burning and conserving Arabinose

Threonine PEIT polymer

Lactose
landfill space. Actually, there are an Starch Communication:
Molded plastics, computer casing, optical fiber

estimated of 500 million tons of biomass

coatings, liquid crystal displays, pens, pencils, inks,
Furfural dyes, paper products
Polyhydroxypolyesters

materials available annually in the U.S.

C5
Cellulose Levulinic acid

Xylitol/Arabitol
Housing:
Paints, resins, siding, insulation, cements, coatings,
vanishes, flame retardants, adhesives, carpeting
Bisphenol A
replacement

Conclusions Recreation:

•The overall profitability and productivity of all C6 5-Hydroxymethylfulfural

Polycarbonates
Footgear, protective equipment, camera and film,
bicycle parts & tires, wet suits, tapes, CD’s &DVD’s,
golf equipment, camping gear, boats

energy related products can be improved by Sorbitol

integrating the production of higher value Health & Hygiene:

bioproducts into the biorefinery’s fuel and power Polyurethanes Plastic eyeglass, cosmetics, detergents,
pharmaceuticals, suntan lotion, medical-dental
products, disinfectants, aspirin

Objectives
•Identify a group of promising sugar-derived
chemicals and materials for bioindustry,
specially biorefinery.
•Identify the products and uses of these
biomass feedstock.
output.
•Increased productivity and efficiency can also be References
achieved through operations that maximize the •Top Value Added Chemicals from Biomass, Vol. 1, Werpy & Petersen
use of all feedstock components, byproducts and •http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biomass
waste streams. •http://bioenergy.ornl.gov/resourcedata/index.html
•Sugar-derived biomass can be processed to •http://www1.eere.energy.gov/biomass/biomass_feedstocks.html
obtain products for almost every uses on the •http://www.calbiomass.org/history.htm
human life such as: industrial, transportation, •http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/summary_0199-5401551_ITM
textiles, safe food, supply, environment, •http://www.purevisiontechnology.com/technology/biomass.html
communication, housing, recreation, health and
hygiene uses. Acknowledgments
•UPR-M Chemical Engineering Department,
Dr. Nelson Cardona-Martínez
Nanostructured Catalytic Materials Lab