A new biorefinery process is reshaping how we think about biofuels—by extracting valuable co-products from oilcane bagasse. Researchers at the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) have developed a method that transforms this often-discarded byproduct into multiple revenue streams, adding new economic and environmental value to biofuel production.

Published in Bioresource Technology, the study highlights a sustainable approach to utilizing oilcane—a genetically engineered sugarcane variant that accumulates lipids in its tissues. This breakthrough not only enhances biofuel efficiency but also recovers high-value products, such as natural pigments and oils, which can be used across industries.

From Waste to Wealth: The Next Generation of Bioprocessing

Traditional biorefineries focus on extracting sugar from sugarcane stalks for ethanol production, leaving behind bagasse, a fibrous residue typically burned for energy. The CABBI researchers, however, saw an untapped opportunity in this waste. Their process recovers anthocyanins—natural pigments widely used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals—along with valuable vegetative lipids.

“We first analyzed the composition of the oilcane, selected the most valuable products, and then developed a sustainable process that could give us enhanced recovery of the selected high-value products along with the production of biofuels,” explained Shivali Banerjee, the study’s lead author and a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Natural Colorants: A Cost-Effective, Sustainable Alternative

Anthocyanins, responsible for the deep hues in fruits, vegetables, and flowers, are a sought-after alternative to synthetic dyes. However, traditional sources such as berries and red cabbage are already in high demand for food production, making them expensive for industrial use. By extracting anthocyanins from oilcane bagasse—a byproduct of biofuel production—CABBI’s process offers a more cost-effective and sustainable solution.

“It’s a win-win situation,” Banerjee said. “In addition to natural colorants, we can also recover vegetative lipids and sugars for biofuel production, all from just one feedstock.”

Toward a Zero-Waste Biorefinery Model

Beyond its environmental benefits, this approach aligns with the economic necessity of making biofuels more cost-competitive. The ability to generate co-products alongside biofuels improves overall efficiency and profitability.

“Maximizing the conversion of all biomass components is critical to developing a profitable biorefinery,” said Vijay Singh, the study’s team lead and CABBI’s Deputy Director for Science & Technology.

Given the high yield of bioenergy crops, this model paves the way for a more diverse bio-based industry. Banerjee noted that similar strategies could be applied to other CABBI feedstocks, reinforcing the importance of a circular, zero-waste economy.

A New Generation of Bioenergy Researchers

The study also highlights CABBI’s commitment to training the next generation of bioenergy scientists. Kristen Eilts, a lab research specialist at Illinois, and Galit Beraja, a participant in CABBI’s Research Internship in Sustainable BioEnergy (RISE) program, played key roles in optimizing the extraction process.

Beraja, who estimated anthocyanin concentrations and assisted in process refinement, described her internship as transformative. “I was able to learn about multiple steps involved in the research process, sharpen my lab skills, further define my career path and interests, and gain so much knowledge from my amazing mentor, Shivali.”

Through research programs like RISE, CABBI is cultivating a talent pipeline that will drive the future of bioenergy innovation. With new bioprocessing strategies emerging, the era of single-use biomass may soon be a thing of the past—ushering in a more sustainable, economically viable bioeconomy.