Enzymatic Conversion of Sugarcane Lignocellulosic Biomass as a Platform for the Production of Ethanol, Enzymes and Nanocellulose

The conversion of sugarcane lignocellulosic biomass into fuels, chemicals and high-value materials using the biochemical pathway is considered the most sustainable alternative for the implementation of future biorefineries. Actually, the first large-scale cellulosic ethanol plants that have started operating worldwide apply the enzymatic hydrolysis process to convert biomass into simple sugars that are fermented to ethanol by yeasts. However, several technological challenges still need to be addressed in order to obtain commercially competitive products. This review describes current challenges and perspectives regarding the enzymatic hydrolysis step for processing sugarcane lignocellulosic biomass within the biorefinery. Recent developments in terms of process configuration strategies and opportunities for the implementation of a sugarcane biorefinery, in which the production of ethanol is integrated into the production of high-value products such as enzymes and nanocellulose, are discussed in view of the demands of the current bioeconomy.