Possibilities for Producing Energy, Fuels, and Chemicals from Soybean: A Biorefinery Concept

A soybean processing facility, in which refined oil, soy protein concentrate and soy protein isolate are produced, generates residues that if undergo additional industrial operations may result in new products with commercial value. The biorefinery concept is a topic widely discussed by governments, industry, and academics, considering it as a possible path to more sustainable economic development. Total biomass utilization is part of this concept. Therefore, this review aims to present the residues generated during soybean processing, the main composition and possible applications for each one of them, in order to better take advantage of soybean biomass. To do so, first, the process, products and residues were identified using academic material. Next, using Scopus database, a search for each residue was performed and possible applications for it were identified from scientific studies presented in the articles included in this databank. It was verified that, for every residue generated during soybean processing, more than one application was already studied, and they are here presented and discussed. Many interesting opportunities are emerging, such as the use of most of the residues for the production of several types of energy and chemicals that may serve as precursors for the production of many other valuable products, such as lactic acid and nanofibers. The production of enzymes, adsorbents and many other products was also found. However, most studies do not attain to economic or environmental performance of the proposed processes. Graphical Abstract: .