Yin-Chu Shen

Bio: Yin-Chu Shen is an academic researcher from Zhejiang University of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Nitrilase & Nitrile hydratase. The author has an hindex of 27, co-authored 114 publications receiving 2473 citations. Previous affiliations of Yin-Chu Shen include Zhejiang University & Chinese Ministry of Education.

Commodity Chemicals Derived from Glycerol, an Important Biorefinery Feedstock

Abstract: As our fossil raw materials irrevocably diminish and environmental pressures build, a progressive changeover of chemical industries to renewable feedstocks emerges as an inevitable necessity. Experts realistically predict the end of cheap oil in 2040 at the latest, a development that we can already witness as chemical manufacturers confront the rising cost of oil and natural gas. The transition to a more biobased production system is currently underway, and much attention has been given to the catalytic conversion of renewable feedstocks and chemicals. The conversion of renewable materials to hydrogen assists in the utilization of renewable energy sources, and conversion to commodity chemicals facilitates the replacement of petroleum by renewable resources. Recently, it has been proposed that renewable resources such as plant-derived sugars and other compounds be used to synthesize the compounds necessary for the production of pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals, plastics, and transportation fuels. Compounds that are now derived from fossil resources might be produced in future biorefineries.

Microbial biosurfactants production, applications and future potential

Abstract: Microorganisms synthesise a wide range of surface-active compounds (SAC), generally called biosurfactants. These compounds are mainly classified according to their molecular weight, physico-chemical properties and mode of action. The low-molecular-weight SACs or biosurfactants reduce the surface tension at the air/water interfaces and the interfacial tension at oil/water interfaces, whereas the high-molecular-weight SACs, also called bioemulsifiers, are more effective in stabilising oil-in-water emulsions. Biosurfactants are attracting much interest due to their potential advantages over their synthetic counterparts in many fields spanning environmental, food, biomedical, and other industrial applications. Their large-scale application and production, however, are currently limited by the high cost of production and by limited understanding of their interactions with cells and with the abiotic environment. In this paper, we review the current knowledge and the latest advances in biosurfactant applications and the biotechnological strategies being developed for improving production processes and future potential.

Glycerol: Production, consumption, prices, characterization and new trends in combustion

Abstract: The demand for petroleum has been rising rapidly due to increasing industrialization and modernization. This economic development has led to a huge demand for energy, most of which is derived from fossil fuel. However, the limited reserve of fossil fuel has led many researchers to look for alternative fuels which can be produced from renewable feedstock. Increasing fossil fuel prices have prompted the global oil industry to look at biodiesel, which is from renewable energy sources. Biodiesel is produced from animal fats and vegetable oils and has become more attractive because it is more environmentally friendly and is obtained from renewable sources. Glycerol is the main by-product of biodiesel production; about 10% of the weight of biodiesel is generated in glycerol. The large amount of glycerol generated may become an environmental problem, since it cannot be disposed of in the environment. In this paper, an attempt has been made to review the different approaches and techniques used to produce glycerol (hydrolysis, transesterification, refining crude glycerol). The world biodiesel/glycerol production and consumption market, the current world glycerin and glycerol prices as well as the news trends for the use of glycerol mainly in Brazil market are analyzed. The technological production and physicochemical properties of glycerol are described, as is the characterization of crude glycerol obtained from different seed oil feedstock. Finally, a simple way to use glycerol in large amounts is combustion, which is an advantageous method as it does not require any purification. However, the combustion process of crude glycerol is not easy and there are technological difficulties. The news and mainly research about the combustion of glycerol was also addressed in this review.

Hydrogenolysis Goes Bio: From Carbohydrates and Sugar Alcohols to Platform Chemicals

Abstract: In view of the diminishing oil resources and the ongoing climate change, the use of efficient and environmentally benign technologies for the utilization of renewable resources has become indispensible. Therein, hydrogenolysis reactions offer a promising possibility for future biorefinery concepts. These reactions result in the cleavage of C-C and C-O bonds by hydrogen and allow direct access to valuable platform chemicals already integrated in today's value chains. Thus, hydrogenolysis bears the potential to bridge currently available technologies and future biomass-based refinery concepts. This Review highlights past and present developments in this field, with special emphasis on the direct utilization of cellulosic feedstocks.