(Chemo)biocatalytic Upgrading of Biobased Furanic Platforms to Chemicals, Fuels, and Materials: A Comprehensive Review

Biobased furans, such as furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, are recognized as the top-value platform chemicals in the valorization of biomass to chemicals, fuels, and materials. Biocatalysis has emerged as a promising technique in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries because of exquisite selectivity, mild reaction conditions, environmental friendliness, etc. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the recent advances in (chemo)biocatalytic conversion of biobased furans, based on the reaction types including oxidation, reduction, C–C and C–N bonds formation, esterification, and amidation. Particularly, the biocatalysts and their catalytic mechanisms/pathways are critically discussed to allow the rational design and construction of efficient enzymes/multienzyme systems/chemobiocatalytic systems. Besides, various biocatalyst engineering and reaction engineering strategies are highlighted to intensify the processes. Future research directions are proposed to expand the chemical space of furans as well as to improve the commercial acceptance of biocatalytic processes.