What is it about?
This study explores how rice husk, an abundant agricultural byproduct, can be converted into valuable products instead of being discarded. By applying optimized bioconversion processes, the complex structure of rice husk is broken down into sugars, which are then used to produce D-psicose (a rare, low-calorie sugar), bioethanol (a renewable fuel), and lactic acid (a key raw material for biodegradable plastics and food applications). The work highlights strategies to improve efficiency at each step, from pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis to fermentation.
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Why is it important?
Rice husk is produced in huge quantities worldwide, yet often discarded or underutilized. Efficient bioconversion reduces agricultural waste and its environmental burden. It provides renewable pathways for fuels and biochemicals, while also producing high-value compounds such as D-psicose for healthier food options. This approach supports a circular bioeconomy by turning low-value residues into sustainable resources.
Perspectives
Optimizing the bioconversion of rice husk into D-psicose, bioethanol, and lactic acid highlights the potential of agricultural residues as sustainable feedstocks. Efficient processing can transform this abundant waste into high-value products, reduce environmental impact, and support the development of circular bioeconomy practices in rice-producing regions.
Hyeun-Jong Bae
Chonnam National University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Optimizing bioconversion processes of rice husk into value-added products: D-psicose, bioethanol, and lactic acid, Bioresource Technology, March 2024, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130363.
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