Biotechnological processes are essential for developing economies that aim to stand out in future markets. The use of bioreactors is one of the most important unit operations of biotechnological processes, and real-time monitoring of bioreactors is essential to ensure precise bioprocess control. This review presents different types of bioreactors, sensors, and applications in other sectors. Bioreactors, controlled systems for cultivating microorganisms and cells, are essential tools in various fields, from scientific research to industrial production. The use of a variety of sensors is critical for accurate, real-time monitoring, early problem detection, reproducibility, cost reduction, and increased efficiency. These benefits are being realized in numerous applications, including biofuel production, bioremediation and leaching processes, tissue engineering, and drug manufacturing. Innovations in bioreactor technology are expanding opportunities for a more sustainable and healthier future. By developing new types of bioreactors, integrating advanced sensors, and exploring promising applications, bioreactors are playing a key role in addressing global challenges and sustainably advancing science and technology.

The social, economic, and environmental impacts of climate change have been shown to affect poorer populations throughout the world disproportionally, and the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020–2021 has only exacerbated the use of less sustainable energy, fuel, and chemical sources. The period of economic and social recovery following the pandemic presents an unprecedented opportunity to invest in biorefineries based on the pyrolysis of agricultural residues. These produce a plethora of sustainable resources while also contributing to the economic valorization of first-sector local economies. However, biomass-derived pyrolysis liquid is highly oxygenated, which hinders its long-term stability and usability. Catalytic hydrogenation is a proposed upgrading method to reduce this hindrance, while recent studies on the use of nickel and niobium as low-cost catalysts, both abundant in Brazil, reinforce the potential synergy between different economic sectors within the country. This review gathers state-of-the-art applications of these technologies with the intent to guide the scientific community and lawmakers alike on yet another alternative for energy and commodities production within an environmentally sustainable paradigm.