From a Sequential Chemo-Enzymatic Approach to a Continuous Process for HMF Production from Glucose

oleh: Alexandra Gimbernat, Marie Guehl, Nicolas Lopes Ferreira, Egon Heuson, Pascal Dhulster, Mickael Capron, Franck Dumeignil, Damien Delcroix, Jean-Sébastien Girardon, Rénato Froidevaux

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2018-08-01

Deskripsi

Notably available from the cellulose contained in lignocellulosic biomass, glucose is a highly attractive substrate for eco-efficient processes towards high-value chemicals. A recent strategy for biomass valorization consists on combining biocatalysis and chemocatalysis to realise the so-called chemo-enzymatic or hybrid catalysis. Optimisation of the glucose conversion to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is the object of many research efforts. HMF can be produced by chemo-catalyzed fructose dehydration, while fructose can be selectively obtained from enzymatic glucose isomerization. Despite recent advances in HMF production, a fully integrated efficient process remains to be demonstrated. Our innovative approach consists on a continuous process involving enzymatic glucose isomerization, selective arylboronic-acid mediated fructose complexation/transportation, and chemical fructose dehydration to HMF. We designed a novel reactor based on two aqueous phases dynamically connected via an organic liquid membrane, which enabled substantial enhancement of glucose conversion (70%) while avoiding intermediate separation steps. Furthermore, in the as-combined steps, the use of an immobilized glucose isomerase and an acidic resin facilitates catalyst recycling.