Biorefining lignocellulose into feed and food: the case of sugarcane and a technology outlook

This Perspective explores how new technologies can expand lignocellulose biorefineries to include coproducts for animal feed and microbial protein with potential applications in human food. Using the Brazilian sugarcane industry as a case study, the analysis highlights synergies from the spatial coe...

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Main Authors: Fernando Roberto Paz Cedeno, Gabriel P. Petrielli, Sergio R. de Medeiros, Alexandre Berndt, Thayse A. D. Hernandes, Antonio Bonomi, Carlos Driemeier
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-08-01
Series:Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1653367/full
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author Fernando Roberto Paz Cedeno
Gabriel P. Petrielli
Sergio R. de Medeiros
Alexandre Berndt
Thayse A. D. Hernandes
Thayse A. D. Hernandes
Antonio Bonomi
Carlos Driemeier
author_facet Fernando Roberto Paz Cedeno
Gabriel P. Petrielli
Sergio R. de Medeiros
Alexandre Berndt
Thayse A. D. Hernandes
Thayse A. D. Hernandes
Antonio Bonomi
Carlos Driemeier
author_sort Fernando Roberto Paz Cedeno
collection DOAJ
description This Perspective explores how new technologies can expand lignocellulose biorefineries to include coproducts for animal feed and microbial protein with potential applications in human food. Using the Brazilian sugarcane industry as a case study, the analysis highlights synergies from the spatial coexistence of sugarcane and livestock, as well as economies of scale and product multiplicity in biorefineries. The technology outlook examines selected biomass pretreatments that can generate pretreated biomass with dual use: reactive intermediate for cellulosic ethanol production and ruminant nutrition. However, reliance on biorefined feed requires rebalancing ruminant diets and enhancing nutritional value. Emerging technologies for microbial protein production from biorefining streams are briefly contextualized, considering the potential addition in the diets of livestock and humans. In conclusion, research and development in this domain can unlock key opportunities to enhance the sustainability of bio-based value chains.
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spelling doaj-art-ee620e4ebb6a457fa68996c667b94fe02025-08-20T04:01:00ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology2296-41852025-08-011310.3389/fbioe.2025.16533671653367Biorefining lignocellulose into feed and food: the case of sugarcane and a technology outlookFernando Roberto Paz Cedeno0Gabriel P. Petrielli1Sergio R. de Medeiros2Alexandre Berndt3Thayse A. D. Hernandes4Thayse A. D. Hernandes5Antonio Bonomi6Carlos Driemeier7Brazilian Biorenewables National Laboratory (LNBR), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, BrazilBrazilian Biorenewables National Laboratory (LNBR), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, BrazilEmbrapa Pecuária Sudeste, São Carlos, BrazilEmbrapa Pecuária Sudeste, São Carlos, BrazilBrazilian Biorenewables National Laboratory (LNBR), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, BrazilSchool of Mechanical Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas, BrazilBrazilian Biorenewables National Laboratory (LNBR), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, BrazilBrazilian Biorenewables National Laboratory (LNBR), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, BrazilThis Perspective explores how new technologies can expand lignocellulose biorefineries to include coproducts for animal feed and microbial protein with potential applications in human food. Using the Brazilian sugarcane industry as a case study, the analysis highlights synergies from the spatial coexistence of sugarcane and livestock, as well as economies of scale and product multiplicity in biorefineries. The technology outlook examines selected biomass pretreatments that can generate pretreated biomass with dual use: reactive intermediate for cellulosic ethanol production and ruminant nutrition. However, reliance on biorefined feed requires rebalancing ruminant diets and enhancing nutritional value. Emerging technologies for microbial protein production from biorefining streams are briefly contextualized, considering the potential addition in the diets of livestock and humans. In conclusion, research and development in this domain can unlock key opportunities to enhance the sustainability of bio-based value chains.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1653367/fulllignocellulosebagassepretreatmentbiorefineryfeedprotein
spellingShingle Fernando Roberto Paz Cedeno
Gabriel P. Petrielli
Sergio R. de Medeiros
Alexandre Berndt
Thayse A. D. Hernandes
Thayse A. D. Hernandes
Antonio Bonomi
Carlos Driemeier
Biorefining lignocellulose into feed and food: the case of sugarcane and a technology outlook
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
lignocellulose
bagasse
pretreatment
biorefinery
feed
protein
title Biorefining lignocellulose into feed and food: the case of sugarcane and a technology outlook
title_full Biorefining lignocellulose into feed and food: the case of sugarcane and a technology outlook
title_fullStr Biorefining lignocellulose into feed and food: the case of sugarcane and a technology outlook
title_full_unstemmed Biorefining lignocellulose into feed and food: the case of sugarcane and a technology outlook
title_short Biorefining lignocellulose into feed and food: the case of sugarcane and a technology outlook
title_sort biorefining lignocellulose into feed and food the case of sugarcane and a technology outlook
topic lignocellulose
bagasse
pretreatment
biorefinery
feed
protein
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1653367/full
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