Bioconversion of Crop Residues Using Alternative Fermentation-Based Approaches

Globally, the growing production of food commodities generates significant quantities agroindustrial residues, most which are untreated and disposed as waste through either burning, dumping into land, or unplanned landfilling, thereby causing environmental pollution, public health problems, decreased soil organic matter productivity. A literature review has been conducted on current crop residue biomass valorization, analyzing raw material properties potential risks associated with its incorrect absent management, well major microbial fermentation strategies that used for converting residual crops valuable products. Approximately 2445.2 million tons residues produced worldwide. Microbial is an efficient way managing rich in nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) them single-cell proteins, antibiotics, enzymes, bioalcohols, polysaccharides, fine chemicals, others, supporting a circular bioeconomy. Although separate saccharification (SHF) represent predominant strategy, it requires considerable equipment costs long process time, can lead to formation contaminations inhibitors. Alternative conversion strategies, including simultaneous (SSF), co-fermentation (SSCF), consolidated bioprocessing (CBP), reduce time costs, contaminations, inhibitor formation, enhance yields. Nevertheless, combining hydrolysis single phase results non-optimal temperature pH. This discusses valorization provides 360-degree view topic. After investigating types their analyzes key steps bioconversion process, common microorganisms cultures. In addition, this reports various examples being converted industrial products main (SHF, SSF, SSCF, CBP), highlighting strengths weaknesses. As fact, need be compared benefits disadvantages before implemented large scale. availability materials, investment, operating skilled workforce availability, sustainability, return investment all evaluated. Finally, discussion focus future outlooks challenges.