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Item Starches-blended ionotropically cross-linked biopolymeric matrices for sustained drug release(Elsevier, 2024) Mokhena , TC; Mochane , MJ; Matabola, KP; Ray, Suprakas S; Mtibe, Asanda; Bambo, MF; Modise, SA; Motsoeneng, TEStarches drew more attention to drug delivery systems. This results from their distinctive characteristics, which include inexpressiveness, abundant availability, renewability, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. For some time now, many sources have been investigated to isolate starch to formulate sustained drug-release systems. In this respect, starch is blended with other ionic polymeric materials with or without a cross-linking agent through the ionotropic gelation method. This chapter discusses the use of starch-based formulations prepared via the ionotropic gelation technique as sustained and prolonged drug delivery systems.Item Analysis of land use and land cover change dynamics and its impacts on WEF Nexus Resources over a 30-Year Period (1990–2020) in Mpumalanga, South Africa(Springer, 2024-10) Ramoelo, A; Tsele, P; Mantlana, Khanyisa B; Mokotedi, Mompe EODeveloping countries face a difficult challenge in ensuring secure and sustainable water, energy, and food (WEF), which is further exacerbated by the rapidly land use and land cover changes (LULCC). This study used Land use and Land cover (LULC) derived from the South African National Land Cover Data repository for 1990 and 2020 datasets in deepening an understanding of the impact of LULCC on WEF nexus resources. Between 1990 and 2020, mines&quarries and built-up areas increased by 30.19% and 40.89%, respectively. The transition matrix based on post-classification comparisons shows that 12.42% of grasslands in 1990 were converted into agriculture in 2020. The observed LULCC dynamics were attributed to socio-economic growth and extreme climate events. This approach had various advantages (e.g., understanding WEF nexus change dynamics in a spatial-explicit manner), and providing a novel methodology that enables collaborative assessment of nexus resources with respect to the environment.Item Introduction to hybrid piezoelectric materials(John Wiley & Sons, 2024-04) Dhlamini, Khanyisile S; Orasugh, Jonathan T; Ray, Suprakas S; Chattopadhyay, DIn response to the global energy crisis and pollution resulting primarily from nonrenewable energy sources, researchers are exploring alternative energy machinery capable of harvesting energy under ambient environmental conditions. Piezoelectric energy harvesting is rapidly becoming a preferred technique for powering devices on a mesoscale to microscale. Piezoelectric materials can produce electricity as a result of mechanical stress; these materials can also exhibit the inverse piezoelectric effect, known as the converse effect. Certain materials possess piezoelectric properties, such as bone, proteins, crystals (quartz), and ceramics (lead zirconate titanate). The combination of piezoelectric materials with two or more other materials leads to the development of hybrid materials that have improved properties and can be applied to novel applications. With hybrid piezoelectric materials, existing technologies can be enhanced, and new devices and systems can be developed, ranging from healthcare, ultrasonic transducers, energy storage, smart fabrics, sensors and actuators, energy-harvesting systems, and robotics.Item Advances in β-titanium Alloys for Applications in the Biomedical Fields(Springer, 2025-01) Bolokang, Amogelang S; Mathabathe, Maria NThe advances in biocompatibility, structural properties, application and processing techniques of beta (β)-titanium alloys are presented. These alloys are promising future biomedical alloys due to their low modulus of elasticity (MOE), and non-toxic elements. The biocompatibility of these alloys exhibits a low modulus of elastic (MOE) closer to that of human bone ~ 30 GPa. On one hand, the best mechanical properties and performance of the alloys is found in porous materials. Particularly, porous Ti-24Nb, Ti-35Nb and Ti-42Nb alloys exhibit reduced hardness with elastic modulus values of 11, 18.0 and 11.2 GPa, respectively. Furthermore, advanced processes such as additive manufacturing including selective laser manufacturing (SLM) and directed energy deposition (DED) are gaining traction in the manufacturing industry.Item Advanced of Starch-Based Bioplastics(Elsevier, 2024) Mtibe, Asanda; Nomadolo, Elizabeth N; Hlekelele, Lerato; Mokhena, TC; Ofosu, Osei; John, Maya J; Ojijo, Vincent OThe potential of starch-based plastics is well-known and well-researched. In recent years, starch-based materials have been used in both commercial and industrial applications to develop biodegradable and sustainable products and address the negative impacts caused by synthetic plastic products. Synthetic plastics are derived from petroleum-based resources and are non-biodegradable, causing plastic waste pollution. Starch-based bioplastics are selected as an alternative to synthetic plastics due to their availability, renewability, sustainability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The conversion of starch into thermoplastic starch (TPS) will be discussed in this study. In addition, the development of starch-based bioplastics using different processing techniques such as melt extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, blown film extruder as well as 3D and 4Dprinting will be also discussed. The market analysis of starch and starch-based materials, their properties, and applications, as well as prospects to determine if starch-based bioplastics are economically and practically feasible, will be thoroughly discussed.Item Plant molecular pharming to overcome the global impact of neglected tropical diseases(Springer, 2024-04) Moralo, Maabo; Singh, Advaita A; Pillay, Priyen; Kwezi, Lusisizwe; Tsekoa, Tsepo LNeglected tropical diseases (NTD) include a broad group of diseases that affect close to two billion people mainly from low and lower-middle income countries. NTD’s account for 12% of the global disease burden and approximately 200,000 deaths annually. The updated 2017 World Health Organisation’s NTD list recognises 20 major NTDs, 19 of these are infectious diseases caused by helminths, protozoa, bacteria or viruses. Snakebite envenoming is the only non-infectious disease on the list, and it has been included due to its high disease burden and impact, especially on young people and children. Global interventions for achieving 90% reduction in NTD treatment by 2030 NTD include prevention, control, elimination and eradication strategies. However, there are still gaps in the research and development of therapeutics and vaccines and limited access to therapeutics, vaccines and diagnostics. This chapter broadly discusses NTDs, progress made and the insufficiencies in the landscape of therapeutics and vaccines and the critical role of plant molecular farming in response to the global disease burden of NTDs. Plant molecular farming presents an opportunity to develop new cost-effective NTD-targeting therapeutics and vaccines and cost-effective NTD diagnostic tools for increased equitable access by vulnerable populations in resource-limited settings.Item Evaluating Sodium-Ion Batteries (SiB) and its Applications(IEEE, 2025-01) Grobler, Inus; Banderker, Muhammad H; Reesen GovindsamyThe Sodium Ion Battery (SiB) technology started to appear in production quantities in 2023. Sample SiB cells were purchased from different suppliers with various form factors and capacities. These cells were tested to verify their capabilities. Like Lithium Titanite Oxide (LTO) cells, the SiB cells can also be drained to zero volts without any damage or degradation of capacity, due to the aluminium cathode. Furthermore, our controlled environmental tests have shown that SiB cells can handle high temperatures and could function at higher C-rates than the popular Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) cells, but not as high as LTO. Unfortunately, the sample SiBs exhibited poor low temperature characteristics, resulting in a permanent 20% capacity loss after 1C discharges at low temperatures. A second batch of sample SiB cells were supplied with more complex temperature specifications, which when followed, resulted in no noticeable degradation. SiBs exhibit a large variation in operating voltage, which can simplify State of Charge (SOC) estimation. On the contrary, the large voltage variation can also be a negative depending on the electronics being powered by the SiB and must be accounted for in the design. SiBs have shown benefits in cost, environmental impact and sustainability, which lends itself to further development and improvements in energy density and performance as we have witnessed occur with other cell technologies.Item Recent Advances in Quantum Biosensing Technologies(InTechOpen, 2024-12) Mpofu, Kelvin T; Mthunzi-Kufa, Patience; Karakuş, SRecent advances in biosensing technologies have revolutionized the field of biomedical diagnostics and environmental monitoring. This chapter reviews cutting-edge developments in quantum sensing and quantum biosensing, with examples including diamond defect sensing and quantum plasmonic biosensing, among other novel methodologies. Diamond defect sensing, leveraging nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond, offers unparalleled sensitivity and precision in detecting magnetic and electric fields at the nanoscale. Quantum plasmonic biosensing, combining the unique properties of plasmons and quantum mechanics, enhances sensitivity and specificity, enabling the detection of biomolecules at ultra-low concentrations. Additionally, advancements in other quantum biosensing technologies, such as quantum dot-based sensors and single-photon detection, will be discussed, highlighting their potential applications in real-time, high-resolution biosensing. These innovative approaches promise to significantly improve the accuracy, speed, and versatility of biosensing, paving the way for new diagnostic tools and environmental monitoring solutions. The chapter will delve into the principles behind these technologies, their current applications, and the future directions they may take, providing a comprehensive overview of the transformative impact of quantum biosensing on medical diagnostics and beyond.Item Bio-inspired metal-metal oxides as Pd support catalysts for CO2 electro-reduction into electrofuels(Springer, 2024-05) Fuku, X; Mkhohlakali, Andile; Xaba, N; Modibedi, Remegia M; Makgopa, K; Raju, K; Makgopa, K; Modibane, KD; Lichtfouse, EThe chapter provides significant and insightful methodological developments and strategies in the field of applied nanotechnology in particular applications in catalysis, pollution and energy. Owing to detrimental climate change and depletion of fossil fuels, we explore novel nanomaterial i.e., ‘smart’ metal-metal oxides and palladium-based electrocatalysts to achieve the requirements of sustainable and renewable resources. In the last decade, researchers have been engaged in the development of new and fundamental chemistries that will transform the field of nanotechnology and humans. In this view, the concept of green chemistry was coined in the early 1990s and was regarded as the engine in the development of new green nanomaterial. This transition is driving the investigation of green chemistry to mitigate environmental problems, replace traditional methods with novel designs and ultimately replace unsustainable chemistries. With this consideration, the preparation of catalytically active bio-inspired Ni/MgO and Cu/Cu2O/CuO/ZnO and Pd-based Pd-NiO/C, Pd/C and Pd-Cu/Cu2O/CuO/Zn using plant biological entities and waste materials as an eco-friendly, green route are explored. This chapter highlights the mechanism of interaction whilst exploring in-depth the leading edge of green-prepared nanomaterials in storage and energy conversion. This comprises studying the electrochemical phenomena of nanostructured materials, electrocatalysis, activity, stability, vital processes of polarisation resistance and diffusion-controlled systems at the nanostructured electrode surface through catalysis. A short overview and use of nanostructured material in energy spheres such as carbon dioxide electrochemical systems to produce energy fuels are also covered.Item Geoforensics and forensic geography(Juta and Company (Pty) Ltd, 2024) Schmitz, PMU; Cooper, Antony KGeoforensics (or forensic geosciences) refers to the application of the geosciences (or the earth sciences) for forensic purposes: for investigations, for preparing cases and reports for criminal and civil court hearings, for use in court and other proceedings, for research, and for improving the law. Geoforensics encompasses geology, mineralogy, geochemistry, geophysics, soil science, hydrology, meteorology, atmospheric chemistry, biogeography and geomorphology. Geoforensics is introduced in sections 11.2 to 11.4. Similarly, forensic geography is the application of geography for forensic purposes.³ There is a clear overlap between geosciences and natural or physical geography, such as geomorphology, biogeography and meteorology. Still, geography also covers other fields relevant to forensics, such as health geography, social geography, space-time geography, spatial analysis, remote sensing, geoinformatics and geographical information systems (GIS). Forensic geography is introduced in sections 11.5 and 11.6. Archaeology can also be used for forensic purposes: finding, excavating and identifying buried evidence, including human remains. An example of forensic archaeology is given in section 11.9.6. Geoforensics and forensic geography involve discipline experts conducting research, consulting with investigators, prosecutors, lawyers and other interested parties, and acting as expert witnesses in criminal and civil cases, legal disputes, commissions of inquiry, parliamentary committees, or other hearings, investigations or reviews. Typically, geoforensics and forensic geography are used where the spatial nature of the crime, incident, misconduct, dispute or allegation plays a pivotal role. Further, the investigator needs to look widely for evidence, such as exploiting open-source intelligence (see seсtion 11.7). It is not appropriate for us to speculate on the current geoforensics or forensic geography capabilities of the police, other law enforcement agencies or private investigators, as these should be improving all the time. Researchers at universities, science councils and other organisations can also provide supplementary expertise and develop new techniques. This chapter focuses mostly on natural and human geography, remote sensing, location data, drones, LIDAR and GIS, with examples provided from section 11.8. onwards. It has two parts, namely 'terrestrial applications' or forensics on land (section 11.9) and 'aqueous applications' or forensics in the sea and inland waters (section 11.11). The latter includes techniques used in the terrestrial environment that can be adapted for use in the aqueous environment in association with the unique characteristics of the aqueous environment, such as river flows, tides and sea currents.5 Section 11.10 prоvides examples of errors that can affect evidence and hence investigations.Item Project management as an enabler of doctoral completion(African Minds, 2024-12) Meyer, Isabella A; Botha, Jan; Frick, Liezel; Tshuma, NompiloSouth Africa has a population of 62 million. The country has 26 public universities with a total enrolment of 1.1 million students. Doctoral enrolments in South Africa have increased from 9 994 in 2008 to 23 588 in 2020 (CHE, Vitalstats). During the period 2000-2018, a total of 32 025 doctoral students graduated at South African universities. Annual doctoral graduates increased from 972 in 2000 to 3 339 in 2019 (SciSTIP, Tracer Study). Stellenbosch University became an independent university in 1918, tracing its origins to the Theological Seminary of the Dutch Reformed Church (est. 1859) and Stellenbosch College (est. 1880). The university has ten faculties located on four campuses (in Stellenbosch, Bellville, Cape Town and Saldanha). In 2021 it had 1 400 academic staff members and 32 471 students, including 1 611 doctoral candidates, and 310 doctoral degrees were awarded. The first doctoral degree was awarded by Stellenbosch University in 1923, in physics. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a national research and development organisation in South Africa, established in 1945. The CSIR undertakes directed, multidisciplinary research and technological innovation that contributes to the improved quality of life of South Africans. The CSIR’s shareholder is the South African Parliament, held in proxy by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.Item Emerging nanoelectrocatalysts for the oxidation of ethanol in alkaline fuel cells(2024-05) Xaba, N; Fuku, Xolile; Maumau, Thandiwe; Modibedi, Remegia M; Khotseng, LE; Makgopa, KThe depletion of fossil fuel reserves accompanied by the overwhelming evidence of global warming has necessitated the shift from fossil-based fuels to environmentally friendly and sustainable energy sources. Fuel cells have received renewed interest in the energy sector due to their ability to provide clean energy and efficiency. Amongst other fuel cell types, direct alcohol fuel cells are popular for their potential application in portable electronics and electric vehicles. One of the major setbacks in the development of direct alcohol fuel cells is finding a suitable catalyst that effectively and cost-effectively converts the alcohol. Research efforts have been dedicated to finding suitable catalysts that are relatively cheap, efficient, and stable. This chapter reports on the emerging electrocatalysts for ethanol oxidation in alkaline media. The strategies used in producing different types of catalysts including the type of catalyst and support used to improve electrochemical activity towards electro-oxidation reaction are presented. It will also discuss in detail the electrochemical activity and membrane electrode assembly performance of selected catalysts.Item Biomass-based wood composite for building material application(Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2024) Mphahlele, IJ; Khoaele, Katleho K; Gbadeyan, O J; Chunilall, VirenFossil fuel serves as the primary global source of energy. It is anticipated that fossil fuels will be depleted in the next half-century. Using biomassbased wood composite for building applications serves as a substitute for fossil fuels. Biomass-based wood composite has proved to display good properties for application in the building sector. This chapter illustrates the valorization of biomass-based materials, sawdust, and wood flour in various building applications. Sawdust-based polymer resin polystyrene for particle board production displayed excellent compressive and tensile strengths of 0.157 N/mm2 and 2.362 N/mm2 respectively. Furthermore, cement substituted with sawdust exhibited satisfactory results for producing bricks or blocks. The results displayed a compressive strength of 10.43 N/mm² following ASTM C67. Moreover, clay bricks production using sawdust content of 2.5 wt% fired at 1100°C depicted a high compressive strength of 18.2 MPa, following ASTM C62-13a, which required a compressive strength of 17.2 MPa -according to the American National Standard Institute (ANSI), composites panels produced using sawdust with plastic waste and polystyrene exhibited good mechanical properties which can be applied for flooring application. The results displayed a modulus of elasticity (MOE) from 694.88 MPa to 4604.89 MPa and a modulus of rupture (MOR) from 5.73 to 21.24 MPa. Wood flour (WF) also displayed potential use in furniture applications. The results showed that 30 wt% WF-filled r-PP content wood polymer composite (WPC) displayed 24.8 MPa tensile strength. Moreover, the flexural strength of 46.2 MPa was achieved due to using MAPP as a coupling agent. According to the ASTM D 6662, the lowest flexural modulus of 0.34 GPa and 6.9 MPa flexural strength is required for decking boards. The results displayed excellent flexural modulus ranging from 2.49 to 3.8 GPa and flexural strength from 23.05 to 35.82 MPa. This is further evidence that wood flour-based composite can be utilized in decking application.Item Processing and characterization of biomass-based wood composites(Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2024-10) Sekoai, Patrick T; Sithole, B; Olagunju, Olusegun A; Chunilall, VirenWood composites are gaining increased attention as sustainable alternatives to traditional building materials. This chapter explores the processing and characterization of biomass-based wood composites. We discuss various methods of processing biomass materials, including particle preparation, resin formulation, and composite manufacturing techniques. Additionally, we delve into the characterization techniques used to evaluate these composites' physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. The chapter aims to provide insights into the production and evaluation of biomassbased wood composites, highlighting their potential for a wide range of applications.Item 2D MXenes nanomaterials for removal of organic wastewater contaminants(CRC Press, 2024-12) Mdlalose, Lindani M; Hlekelele, Lerato; Chauke, Vongaini PThe research and development of two-dimensional (2D) materials was prompted and advanced after the discovery of the remarkable physical properties of single/multiple layered graphene. This hastily encouraged more research on 2D materials in the form of manipulating the structure of graphene through exfoliation, altering the starting material with readily available layered precursors such as graphite-like hexagonal boron nitride or dichalcogenides or even layered oxides [1]. This then stimulated the development of more 2D materials including the birth of MXenes. MXenes are a group 2D transition metal carbides, carbonitrides, and nitrides discovered in 2011 [2]. Their single flakes are denoted by a chemical formula Mn+1 Xn Tx (n = 1 to 4), which designates transition metals alternating layers (M) enclosed by carbon/nitrogen (X) layers with attached terminations Tx (-O2 , -F2 , -OH2 , -Cl2 ) on the external transition metal surfaces [3]. Due to their intriguing electrical and optical properties, they play numerous roles in photodetectors. Additionally, their distinctive mechanical, chemical, and physical properties allow MXenes to be altered by various surface terminations and transition metals. The atomically narrow structure of 2D MXenes makes it an appropriate alternative material for water purification technologies. Additionally, its large surface area, excellent mechanical strength, and numerous functional groups on their surfaces make it a suitable candidate for the uptake of contaminants from aqueous medium [4]. MXenes water purification interest is facilitated by its unique adsorptive, antibacterial, and reductive properties, which are further augmented by high electrical conductivity. With the intensive industrialization and vast agricultural systems, the release of toxic contaminants into ground and surface water continues to be a strain on the environment. In this chapter, the potential use of 2D MXenes derivatives for organic contaminants (such as dyes, antibiotics, and pharmaceuticals) removal is addressed. This entails mechanistic pathways of using MXene-based materials as adsorbents, water purification membranes, and photocatalysts. The ability of MXenebased composites in showing catalytic activity toward diverse pollutants and superior selectivity toward specific pollutants will be discussed.Item Phytic acid: A novel phosphate bio-Based flame retardant(Springer Nature, 2024-11) Sikhosana, ST; Mochane, MJ; Malebo, NJ; Mokhena, TC; Mofokeng, Tladi G; Sadiku, ER; Mokhena, TC; Mochane, MJ; Sadiku, ER; Ray, SSThe development and application of sustainable flame-retardant agents have become a research hotspot due to the urgent need for eco-friendly materials and the demand for a sustainable environmental protection. Phytic acid has gained popularity as a natural substance that is present in plant seeds with the potential to be a bio-based flame retardant. Its distinct structure, which consists of six phosphate groups, connected to a myoinositol core, confers inherent flame retardancy, making it a suitable candidate for fire safety in polymeric materials. Phytic acid can be added to polymer matrices through physical mixing, chemical grafting, or covalent bonding. This alters the thermal and mechanical properties of the resulting flame-retardant composite, as well as its fire performance. Ongoing research aims to maximize the potential of phytic acid in different polymeric systems, with the goal of creating safe, eco-friendly, and sustainable materials for fire safety applications in fields, such as: construction, automotive, electronics, and textiles.Item Durable PLA Bioplastics(Elsevier, 2024) Sinha Roy, Jayita; Ray, Suprakas SBioplastics are special plastics manufactured from biobased polymers and can potentially contribute to the circular plastics economy. In this direction, polylactic acid or polylactide (both abbreviated as PLA) is the most important commercially available polymer whose monomeric unit, lactic acid, can be produced from renewable resources. PLA has good thermal plasticity and mechanical properties and can be readily molded. During the manufacturing of PLA-based plastic products, the carbon footprint is approximately 75% lower than that of conventional plastic products. In the context of life cycle assessment and the eco-profile (input and output from the manufacturing process) of PLA, benefits and drawbacks, strategies for overcoming the drawbacks, and the trend of applications, it is worthy to develop PLA-based durable products considering regenerative technical approach. Therefore, this chapter reports recent progress in developing durable PLA bioplastics for various applications. Various strategies have been critically summarized, such as plasticization, copolymerization, and melt blending with different tough polymers, rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers, and nanomaterials. Changing the processing technology, modification of PLA by chemical methods or cross-linking and grafting, and annealing can improve the properties of PLA, which are also discussed in this chapter.Item Government initiatives in advancing the circular bioeconomy in South Africa(Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2024-10) Sekoai, Patrick T; Sebogodi, Keolebogile R; Johakimu, Jonas K; Chunilall, Viren; Gbadeyan, OJ; Sekoai, P; Chunilall, VThe concept of a circular economy is receiving widespread attention among various stakeholders in South Africa as this scientific approach allows the management of waste streams in a sustainable and environmentally conscious manner while creating new value chains through the synthesis of high-value-added products such as fuels, chemicals, additives, etc. As opposed to the linear model that embraces the take, produce, and discard approach, the circular model embraces the recycle, reuse, and reduce approach, which involves the circularity of the wastes, leading to minimum and/or zero waste during the downstream process. Despite the various socioeconomic benefits that can be achieved from the circular biobased processes, various bottlenecks must be addressed before their full implementation. This chapter discusses the government initiatives to advance circular biobased opportunities in South Africa. The limitations that delay the progress of this technology are also discussed. The study also provides suggestions that could help fast-track the scalability of circular biobased technologies in South Africa.Item Green fabrication techniques for transparent wood composites: Pioneering sustainable materials for the future(Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2024) Simelane, NP; Olatunji, OS; Mathew, Maya J; Andrew, Jerome EAs the world battles with environmental challenges and the need for sustainable alternatives to conventional building materials such as glass, transparent wood composites have emerged as a promising solution. Transparent wood composites, derived from renewable and abundant wood resources, offer a unique combination of strength, thermal insulation, and optical transparency. This chapter explores the latest progress in transparent wood composites, focusing on innovative and eco-friendly fabrication techniques that pave the way for widespread adoption in various applications. It highlights using sustainable wood sources, such as fast-growing trees, and reducing energy-intensive processing steps. The chapter also explores other emerging technologies, including nanocellulose reinforcements and bio-based polymers, that have the potential to revolutionize the fabrication of transparent wood composites. Through a comprehensive review of recent advancements and prospects, this chapter aims to provide researchers with valuable insights into the exciting world of transparent wood composites. Focusing on green fabrication techniques underscores the critical role transparent wood composites can play in building a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.Item Fundamentals of biomass waste valorization(Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2024-10) Khoaele, Katleho K; Gbadeyan, Oluwatoyin J; Mphahlele, IJ; Sithole, BB; Chunilall, Viren; Sekoai, P; Chunilall, V; Gbadeyan, JGThe devastating impact of climate change and the necessity for sustainable products and processing approaches are significant concerns for the worldwide population. Interestingly, there is an abundance of biomass resources, which might meet the increasing demand for green products, as using fossil fuels is no longer recommended due to environmental concerns and sustainability. Biomass resources (renewable feedstock for renewable energy generation and specialty chemicals) are sourced from several natural sources and have a variety of applications. Most developed economies follow linear consumption concepts that are not feasible in the long term. The circular bioeconomy concept is a promising solution to minimize waste landfilling, generate revenue, and maximize zero-waste by utilizing biomass waste. The valorization of cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose fractions into bioproducts, biofuels, or specialty chemicals depends on the practicality of their pre-treatment and further processing approaches. This chapter discusses biomass feedstock history, valorization processes, and applications, and motivations for their exploration. Several value-added products, which can be harnessed from biomass and residues, are detailed.