The catalytic selective oxidation of biomass-derived platform chemicals into  monomers offers a sustainable alternative pathway to fossil-based production of chemicals. Herein, mesoporous Al2O3-supported Mo-V oxide catalysts were prepared through a solvent-free solid-state grinding method for the liquid phase oxidation of furfural to maleic anhydride in acetic acid solvent. The selective oxidation of furfural to maleic anhydride greatly depended on the Mo/V mole ratio of the catalyst, catalyst calcination temperature, and catalyst synthesis method. After 4 h reaction (100 oC,  2 MPa O2, 4 h), a furfural conversion of 95% and maleic anhydride yield of 41% was achieved over the optimal 25mol% Mo1V1Ox/Al2O3 calcined at 600 oC. The synergistic interaction of Mo-V with Al2O3 was identified as crucial for enhancing catalytic activity and selectivity towards maleic anhydride. Catalyst leaching studies revealed that the 25Mo1VA catalyst partially leached into the reaction medium although the leached metals did not homogeneously catalyze the oxidation of furfural. The reusability of the 25Mo1VA catalyst was studied over five catalytic cycles with a progressive loss of maleic anhydride yield due to the formation of surface carbonaceous species. However, utilizing a catalyst regeneration cycle (500 oC, 3 h), the yield of maleic anhydride is recovered.