A critical review and evaluation of bioproduction of organic chemicals

Dependence on petroleum as the primary feedstock for production of chemicals cannot continue indefinitely. Bioconversion could provide an alternate route to production of organic chemicals. A wide range of commodity chemicals and potentially new chemicals can be produced via bioconversion of biomass. However, before large-scale bioproduction of organic chemicals becomes a reality, issues related to economics, feedstock availability, environment, and energy requirements must be addressed. In this paper, these issues are discussed. and promising potential candidates for bioproduction are identified. Research needs are briefly addressed.