ABSTRACT
Global energy production aims to switch from fossil fuels to renewable biomass-based products and chemicals for an arising alternative sustainable bioeconomy. Noteworthy efforts are being made around the world to move from the current petrochemical-based energy consumption to more reliable bioresources-derived fuels and chemicals. The biorefining of waste into a value-added product, in addition to biofuel, is a new perspective in the area of industrial biotechnology. Biorefinery is a promising ecofriendly method to convert agro/forestry/domestic/industrial biogenic waste into biofuels (bioalcohols, biodiesel, biohydrogen, oils) and various value-added biochemical compounds (organic acids, sugar alcohols, additives, sweetener, bioplastics, polymers, and fertilizers). The platform chemicals produced by the biorefining process are considered to be more practical, economical, and sustainable than the production of biofuels alone. With the furtherance in genetic and metabolic engineering, bio-based product production from bioresources by exploiting various enzymes of bacteria, fungi, and introspection of microalgae can conquer the interest around the world. Yet the idea of biomass-based biorefinery is in its genesis in various regions of the world. To address global waste production and disposal concerns, both ecologically and economically, the revolution from fossil-based fuel to biorefinery is unavoidable. This chapter is a paramount asset for researchers, as it covers vital topics such as biorefinery, challenges in platform chemicals production, its market value, and innovative methods of biomass conversion.
