Plant Bioproducts

Among the major challenges facing society today, seeking renewable alternatives to petroleum-based fuels and manufactured goods is critically important to reducing society’s dependency on petroleum and tackling environmental issues associated with petroleum use. In recent years there has been considerable research targeted toward the development of plant-derived bioproducts to replace petrochemical feedstocks for both fuel and manufacturing. Plants not only provide a large amount of renewable biomass, but their biochemical diversity also offers many chemical and molecular tools for the production of new products through biotechnology. Plant Bioproducts is an introduction to the production and application of plant bioproducts, including biofuels, bioplastics, and biochemicals for the manufacturing sector. Contributing authors examine various bioproducts with respect to their basic chemistry, relationship to current petrochemical-based products, and strategies for their production in plants. Chapters cover the integrated roles of agronomy, plant breeding, biotechnology, and biorefining in the context of bioproduct development. Environmental, economic, ethical, and social issues surrounding bioproducts, including the use of genetically modified crops, challenges to food security, and consumer acceptance, are also covered.

The volume on Industrial Crop Breeding will be part of the series, Handbook of Plant Breeding. This volume will focus on the emerging area of plant breeding for sustainable production of transportation fuels and bio based products using the current advances in the field. The book is scheduled to consist of a total number of 30 chapters divided into four sections. The sections will emphasize crops being considered for different challenge areas including oil crops for biodiesel; sugar, starch and cellulosic crops for biofuel; crops for bio products and issues and future prospects. A chapter introducing the first three sections will also be included. Outstanding scientists for each crop species are proposed as senior authors, who may invite co-authors to contribute part of a chapter to provide additional expertise or perspective. The proposed authors will represent various national and international institutions to get a more diverse view on the topic and somehow get a global view on the common issues that researchers on industrial crops are facing. The book will comprise primarily of specific issues, available germplasm, breeding techniques, and potential geographical areas of production pertaining to individual crops being considered for industrial uses. We hope to encourage the proposed authors of new crops to provide an estimate of the crop readiness for commercial development and discuss the limitations. This book will be will be of interest and envisioned to serve as an updated reference to researchers in both academic and industrial setting, to students and teachers of plant breeding and to policy makers who are looking for alternative solutions to dependency on imported petroleum products.

Food and Industrial Bioproducts and Bioprocessing describes the engineering aspects of bioprocessing, including advanced food processing techniques and bioproduct development. The main focus of the book is on food applications, while numerous industrial applications are highlighted as well. The editors and authors, all experts in various bioprocessing fields, cover the latest developments in the industry and provide perspective on new and potential products and processes. Challenges and opportunities facing the bioproduct manufacturing industry are also discussed. Coverage is far-reaching and includes: current and future biomass sources and bioprocesses; oilseed processing and refining; starch and protein processing; non-thermal food processing; fermentation; extraction techniques; enzymatic conversions; nanotechnology; microencapsulation and emulsion techniques; bioproducts from fungi and algae; biopolymers; and biodegradable/edible packaging. Researchers and product developers in food science, agriculture, engineering, bioprocessing and bioproduct development will find Food and Industrial Bioproducts and Bioprocessing an invaluable resource.

For the first time, this opportune book provides a comprehensive treatment of the many innovative, non-timber bioproducts that may be derived from Canada’s vast forests, including their potential economic, social and environmental impacts. It also offers a balanced discussion of the technological, policy and regulatory issues surrounding the emerging global bioeconomy. This book will not only be of interest to Canadian forestry professionals and entrepreneurs, but also to those interested in the contribution of forestry to the bioeconomy worldwide.

Hybrid Polymeric Nanocomposites from Agricultural Waste examines the use of agricultural by-products for green production of new materials. It covers nanoparticle synthesis from agricultural wastes and nanocomposite development with a focus on polyethylene, polylactic acid, polymethylmethacrylate, and epoxy resins, and considers possible biomedical and engineering applications. Showcases agricultural waste as polymer reinforcements to replace expensive synthetic fibres that discourage wide polymeric nanocomposite applications Discusses green synthesis and characterisation of hybrid nanocomposites from polylactic acid, polymethylmethacrylate, recycled/new polyethylene, and epoxy resins Contrasts hybrid nanocomposites properties with standard nanocomposites, using automotive case studies The book is aimed at researchers, advanced students, and industrial professionals in materials, polymer, and mechanical engineering and related areas interested in the development and application of sustainable materials.

This comprehensive and unique text presents a full overview of downstream processing useful for those new to the concept as well as professionals with experience in the area. The history and theoretical principles of Aqueous Two-Phase Systems (ATPS) are covered in depth. Information on ATPS characterization and application is included, and ATPS equilibria and system parameters that have significant effect on partition behavior are studied. Aqueous Two-Phase Systems for Bioprocess Development for the Recovery of Biological Products addresses specific applications of ATPS for the recovery and partial purification of high molecular weight compounds such as proteins, nucleic acids and polysaccharides, particulate bioproducts such as cells and organelles and low molecular weight compounds. Non-conventional strategies involving ATPS such as affinity systems, continuous liquid-liquid fractionation stages and the recovery from plant extracts are presented. Economic analysis of the application of ATPS in comparison to other fractionation techniques, particularly liquid chromatography, is considered, as are opportunity and current trends in the ATPS research area. Each chapter utilizes the contributors' experimental expertise in traditional and non-conventional ATPS strategies, as well as analysis of areas of opportunity and perspectives on the development and future applications of ATPS in both the lab and larger scale operations. The result is a thorough and singular overview of ATPS which has not been matched by any other text on the market.

Sugarcane has garnered much interest for its potential as a viable renewable energy crop. While the use of sugar juice for ethanol production has been in practice for years, a new focus on using the fibrous co-product known as bagasse for producing renewable fuels and bio-based chemicals is growing in interest. The success of these efforts, and the development of new varieties of energy canes, could greatly increase the use of sugarcane and sugarcane biomass for fuels while enhancing industry sustainability and competitiveness. Sugarcane-Based Biofuels and Bioproducts examines the development of a suite of established and developing biofuels and other renewable products derived from sugarcane and sugarcane-based co-products, such as bagasse. Chapters provide broad-ranging coverage of sugarcane biology, biotechnological advances, and breakthroughs in production and processing techniques. This text brings together essential information regarding the development and utilization of new fuels and bioproducts derived from sugarcane. Authored by experts in the field, Sugarcane-Based Biofuels and Bioproducts is an invaluable resource for researchers studying biofuels, sugarcane, and plant biotechnology as well as sugar and biofuels industry personnel.

Phyto-pathogens are one of the dominating components which badly affect crop production. In light of the global food demand, sustainable agricultural plans utilizing agrochemicals became necessary. The role of beneficial microbes in the defense priming of host plants has been well documented. This book details new aspects of microbial-assisted plant protection and their role in agricultural production, economy, and environmental sustainability.