Bioconversie

Bioconversie, or bioconversion, is the set of processes that transform organic materials, such as agricultural residues, food waste, or industrial by-products, into more valuable chemicals, fuels, or materials using biological agents. These transformations are driven by microorganisms, cells, or enzymes and typically occur under mild conditions, at ambient temperatures and pressures, making them energy-efficient relative to many chemical processes.

Common bioconversion pathways include fermentation, where microbes convert sugars into ethanol, lactic acid, or solvents; anaerobic digestion, which decomposes organic matter to methane-rich biogas; enzymatic hydrolysis and microbial conversion steps in biorefineries that break down lignocellulosic feedstocks and funnel sugars into platform chemicals. Other approaches include production of microbial lipids for biodiesel, and production of proteins, enzymes, or biopolymers from renewable feedstocks.

Applications span renewable energy, such as bioethanol and biogas, to the production of organic acids, solvents, vitamins, and biopolymers. Bioconversion is used to valorize waste streams from agriculture, food processing, and municipalities, contributing to circular economy goals and reducing reliance on fossil resources.

Challenges include feedstock variability, process optimization, scale-up, contamination, and economic viability. The environmental benefits depend on feedstock sourcing, energy balances, and life-cycle assessment, while regulatory and safety considerations apply to engineered microbes and waste streams.

Bioconversion is a central component of biorefineries, which aim to convert biomass into a spectrum of products, including chemicals, materials, and energy, through integrated biological and chemical processes.