Recent Advances in Sugarcane Industry Solid By-Products Valorization

Sugarcane is among the leading agricultural crop cultivated in tropical regions of the world. Industrial processing of sugarcane generates sugar; as well as various solid wastes (i.e. sugarcane bagasse, pressmud). Improvement of biotechnology in industrial level, offers opportunities for economic utilization of these solid residues. In the last few decades, sugarcane bagasse and pressmud have been explored in the theme of lignocellulosic bioconversion. The recalcitrance of biomass is a major drawback towards successful exploitation of lignocellulosic residues. Pretreatment by suitable/efficient processes can overcome this limitation. In this regards; physical, chemical and biological treatment systems are brought into our perspective. Chemical and physicochemical methods are capital-intensive but not environment-friendly, in contrast, method like biological treatment is eco-friendly but extremely slow. There are still major technological and economic challenges need to be addressed; e.g. bioprospecting, established more reliable genetically modified microorganisms, upgrade gene cloning and sequencing processes, yield improvement at large scale etc. Productions of value-added products from these solid wastes are discussed in such a way that pinpoints the most recent trends and the future directions. Biofuels, enzymes, organic acids and bio-sorbents production draw a clear sketch of the current and future bio-based products. Nano-biotechnology and genetic engineering could be future trends to improved processes and products. This review serves as a valuable reference material for a wide range of scientists and technologists in the relevant fields.