To mitigate the current global energy and the environmental crisis, biofuels such as bioethanol have progressively gained attention from both scientific and industrial perspectives. However, at present, commercialized bioethanol is mainly derived from edible crops, thus raising serious concerns given its competition with feed production. For this reason, lignocellulosic biomasses (LCBs) have been recognized as important alternatives for bioethanol production. Because LCBs supply is sustainable, abundant, widespread, and cheap, LCBs-derived bioethanol currently represents one of the most viable solutions to meet the global demand for liquid fuel. However, the cost-effective conversion of LCBs into ethanol remains a challenge and its implementation has been hampered by several bottlenecks that must still be tackled. Among other factors related to the challenging and variable nature of LCBs, we highlight: (i) energy-demanding pretreatments, (ii) expensive hydrolytic enzyme blends, and (iii) the need for microorganisms that can ferment mixed sugars. In this regard, thermophiles represent valuable tools to overcome some of these limitations. Thus, the aim of this review is to provide an overview of the state-of-the-art technologies involved, such as the use of thermophilic enzymes and microorganisms in industrial-relevant conditions, and to propose possible means to implement thermophiles into second-generation ethanol biorefineries that are already in operation.

Surface active agents are characterized for their capacity to adsorb to fluid and solid-water interfaces. They can be classified as surfactants and emulsifiers based on their molecular weight (MW) and properties. Over the years, the chemical surfactant industry has been rapidly increasing to meet consumer demands. Consequently, such a boost has led to the search for more sustainable and biodegradable alternatives, as chemical surfactants are non-biodegradable, thus causing an adverse effect on the environment. To these ends, many microbial and/or marine-derived molecules have been shown to possess various biological properties that could allow manufacturers to make additional health-promoting claims for their products. Our aim, in this review article, is to provide up to date information of critical health-promoting properties of these molecules and their use in blue-based biotechnology (i.e., biotechnology using aquatic organisms) with a focus on food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical/biomedical applications.

Fatty amines are nitrogen-containing organic compounds synthesized from fatty acids, olefins, or alcohols, typically derived from natural oils or petrochemical sources. These molecules generally feature long hydrophobic alkyl chains ranging from C8 to C22 and can be positively charged on the nitrogen atom, which confer pronounced cationic surface activity. This property makes them highly effective as emulsifiers, conditioning agents, antistatic agents, and surfactants, particularly in industrial formulations and personal care products such as shampoos, conditioners, and creams. Historically, the production of fatty amines has relied heavily on petrochemical feedstocks, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO₂. In response to growing environmental concerns, there is an increasing shift toward renewable and sustainable raw materials, aligning with the principles of the circular economy. The cosmetics and detergent industries are at the forefront of this transition, actively integrating bio-based ingredients to minimize ecological impact. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the sources, synthetic pathways, and applications of fatty amines. It highlights their functional roles in detergents and cosmetic formulations and explores scientific and technological strategies aimed at enhancing sustainability across the fatty amine supply chain.