Hybrid catalysis: an efficient tool for biomass valorization and for the production of new building blocks in chemistry

The unsustainable exploitation of finite natural resources, such as oil reserves, has accelerated resource depletion and harmed biodiversity, with projections indicating the exhaustion of oil reserves by mid-century. This pressing issue highlights the necessity for sustainable consumption and production models. Chemistry has responded by adopting Green Chemistry principles, emphasizing renewable and alternative raw materials over fossil-based ones. Biomass, particularly from unexploited wastes, stands out as a renewable carbon source, but its complex composition creates challenges for chemical transformations. Catalysis is critical in addressing these issues. While traditional chemical catalysts struggle with the intricate mixtures in biomass, biological catalysts, like enzymes, excel in processing such substrates due to their natural specificity and efficiency. However, enzymes face limitations from biomass inhibitors, such as plant-derived defense molecules. Innovative catalytic systems are needed to selectively target specific molecules and mitigate inhibitors. A promising solution lies in hybrid catalysis, which combines biological and chemical catalysts to leverage their complementary strengths. Indeed, hybrid systems enable multi-steps reactions with higher yields, equilibrium shifts, and inhibitor removals, promoting the synthesis of new molecules from challenging substrates. Over the past decade, hybrid catalysis has expanded thanks to its potential to transform biomass into valuable compounds. By integrating the robustness of chemical catalysts with the selectivity of biological ones, hybrid catalysis aligns with sustainability objectives, offering a pathway to more efficient and innovative chemical transformations. This emerging technology can play a pivotal role in sustainable development and industrial innovation, especially when it comes to biorefineries.