Journal of Scientific Engineering Advances

Abstract

Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFB) represent a significant lignocellulosic residue with potential for bioconversion into biofuels, biochemicals, biomaterials, and bioenergy carriers. Despite extensive research, f indings on enzymatic and microbial valorization are dispersed, hindering a comprehensive understanding of technological pathways and product diversification. This study aims to systematically synthesize peer reviewed literature published between 2019 and 2026 on enzymatic and microbial valorization of OPEFB within lignocellulosic biorefinery frameworks, consolidating performance data, identifying dominant process configurations, and highlighting emerging research trends. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach was applied. Articles were collected exclusively from the Scopus database using structured keywords targeting OPEFB, enzymatic hydrolysis, microbial fermentation, lignocellulosic biorefinery, and value-added products. Screening was performed sequentially based on relevance, publication period, language, and accessibility, resulting in 34 peer-reviewed articles eligible for inclusion. Data extraction encompassed biomass composition, pretreatment conditions, enzyme and microbial parameters, product yields, and techno-functional indicators. Analytical synthesis employed thematic clustering to organize results into six dominant themes: OPEFB structural characteristics, pretreatment strategies, enzymatic hydrolysis performance, microbial fermentation pathways, integrated biorefinery configurations, and value-added product diversification. The results indicate that pretreatment enhances enzymatic accessibility, achieving glucose yields of 70–90%, while microbial pathways produce ethanol, organic acids, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and biogas with high conversion efficiencies. Integrated biorefinery models improve resource utilization and energy recovery. In conclusion, OPEFB is a technically viable feedstock for diversified biochemical valorization. Future studies should prioritize pilot scale validation, process integration optimization, enzyme and microbial engineering, and comprehensive sustainability assessments.