This book focuses on the properties of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and recent advances in their application in lignocellulosic biomass processing. Lignocellulosic biomass conversion to biofuels, biochemicals and other value-added products has attracted global attention because it is a readily available, inexpensive and renewable resource. However, in order for biomass technologies to be commercially viable, biomass recalcitrance needs to be cost-effectively reduced. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are new green' solvents that have the high potential for biomass processing thanks to their low cost, low toxicity, biodegradability, and easy recycling and reuse.

After an overview of the current lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment, the book discusses the synthesis and physiochemical properties of DESs, as well as key findings on the effects of DES on cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin solubilization, biomass pretreatment and biomass crystallinity. It then addresses the enzymatic hydrolysis performance of DES-pretreated solids, compatibility of DESs with enzymes and microorganisms, and the recycling potential of DESs. Lastly, it compares DESs with ionic liquids, and examines the challenges and opportunities relating to extending the use of DESs in lignocellulosic processing. 

Dr. Pratima Bajpai is a renowned author of numerous books, research, patents, and products for the pulp and paper industry. She earned her Doctorate degree from National Sugar Institute (National Sugar Institute) in Kanpur, India. She currently serves as technical consultant on pulp and paper and has over 30 years of experience in research at the National Sugar Institute, University of Saskatchewan, the Universitiy of Western Ontario, in Canada, in addition to the Centre for Research and Industrial Development Thapar , in India. She also worked as a visiting professor at the University of Waterloo, Canada and a visiting researcher at Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.

Her main areas of expertise are: industrial biotechnology, pulp and paper and environmental biotechnology. She has contributed immensely to the field of industrial biotechnology and for this reason has been recognized as an expert on this issue globally. Currently, Dr. Bajpai is actively involved in the commercialization of biotechnological processes for the pulp and paper industry. Dr. Bajpai has more than 150 publications in international journals and conferences. She has written several technical books advanced level on the environmental, technical and biotechnological pulp and paper, which were published by leading global publishers - PIRA International, UK; Springer, USA, Europe and Singapore; Miller Freeman USA; John Wiley and Elsevier Science. Dr. Bajpai has also contributed to a number of chapters in books and encyclopedias, obtained 11 patents and has written numerous technical reports. She has collaborated in the implementation of numerous processes in paper mills and pulp, both in India and globally. For all her accomplishments, she is an active member in the American Society of Microbiologists  and is reviewer for many international journals

Introduction.- Current status of lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment.- Deep eutectic solvents and their physicochemical properties.- Cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin solubilization in DESs.- Biomass pretreatment by DESs.- Compatibility of DES with enzymes and microorganisms.- Recycling of DESs.- Comparison of DESs and ionic liquids.- Challenges and opportunities.