A review on extraction processes of lignocellulosic chemicals from oil palm biomass

Oil palm biomass (opb) is a by-product derived from the oil palm industry; periodically available in the field during the replanting and pruning activities; and from the milling processes of palm oil. the biomass includes oil palm trunk (opt),oil palm frond (opf),kernel shell,oil palm empty fruit bunch (opefb),oil palm mesocarp fibre (opmf),and palm oil mill effluent (pome). opb is classified as lignocellulosic residues that typically contain cellulose,hemicellulose,and lignin in their cell wall that can be converted into fine chemicals. these lignocellulosic chemicals have significant potential applications in food,chemicals and pharmaceuticals industries. a number of different types of extraction technologies have been developed; namely chemicals,physico-chemicals,biochemicals or the combinations of these processes. but as the methods that are environmental-friendly are the current trend,this article has its focus entirely on green technologies. this article comprehensively reviews the conversion of opb into lignocellulosic chemicals with special attention on various extraction processes,followed by discussion on their special merits as well as their weaknesses. sustainability for each of the process is also considered in detail in the discussion.