Heterogeneous catalytic synthesis of amino acids from biomass-based and waste plastic feedstocks

Abstract

Amino acids are a class of important nitrogen-containing multi-group fine chemicals, which are mainly synthesized via Strecker synthesis and fermentation, and are widely used in food additives, animal feed, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other fields. This review focuses on using renewable and waste carbon resources (e.g., lignocellulose, chitin, lipids, and waste plastics) and nitrogen sources (NH₃, NO₃⁻, etc.) to efficiently and sustainably synthesize amino acids such as alanine and glycine via thermocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and photocatalysis. We systematically summarize the catalytic mechanisms, material design, and performance of related catalytic systems (such as Ru/CNT, PdCu alloys, and CdS-based materials), and discuss the challenges and opportunities of upgrading biomass and waste plastics directly into amino acids. Additionally, future research directions are outlined, including the development of multifunctional catalysts, optimization of reaction conditions to improve selectivity and economic performance, and the design of more efficient cascade catalytic systems for the green conversion of waste carbon resources into high-value amino acids.