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Updated: Jan 29, 2026
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Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Biomass with Low-cost Ionic Liquids
Published on: August 10, 2016
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Environmental Concerns Regarding Ionic Liquids in Biotechnological Applications
Chul-Woong Cho1,2, Myung-Hee Song1, Thi Phuong Thuy Pham3
1School of Chemical Engineering, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea.
Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology
|February 3, 2019
Summary
Ionic liquids offer industrial potential but pose environmental risks. This chapter details their antimicrobial uses in bioprocesses and examines their toxicity, biodegradability, and mobility for sustainable development.
Area of Science:
- Green Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Ionic liquids (ILs) present dual challenges and opportunities for sustainable industrial applications.
- Concerns regarding the toxic impacts of ILs necessitate thorough environmental assessment.
- Understanding ILs' environmental fate is crucial for responsible industrial integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the antimicrobial activities of ionic liquids within bioprocesses.
- To provide a detailed discussion on the environmental impacts of ionic liquids.
- To consolidate information on ILs' toxicity, biodegradability, bioaccumulation, and mobility.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on ionic liquids.
- Analysis of antimicrobial properties of various ionic liquids in bioprocess contexts.
- Evaluation of environmental data concerning ionic liquid toxicity, biodegradability, bioaccumulation, and mobility.
Main Results:
- Ionic liquids exhibit significant antimicrobial activities relevant to bioprocesses.
- Environmental impacts vary, with toxicity, biodegradability, bioaccumulation, and mobility being key factors.
- Data highlights the need for careful selection and management of ILs to mitigate risks.
Conclusions:
- Ionic liquids offer promising avenues for sustainable industrial development when their environmental profiles are well-understood.
- Further research and data are essential to guide the safe and effective application of ionic liquids in bioprocesses.
- This work supports researchers in navigating the complexities of ionic liquid environmental impact and application.
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