Bioconversion of Biomass to Biofuel Using Fungal Consortium

Abstract

Depletion of fossil fuel resources along with their disadvantages including greenhouse gas emission, pollution, price enhancement, and increased demand of fuel leads to search for alternative fuel sources from renewable substrates. One of the major bottlenecks of global economy as well as environment sustainability is an urgent requirement for alternative fuel production and climate alteration diminution. Bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass into biofuels is an unavoidable necessity for development of green economy. Biorefining of lignocellulosic biomass provides sustainable development of socioeconomic strategies. Low-value lignocellulose biomass (weed, by-products of wood, agro-residues, and recycle paper) is a favorable resource over traditional substrates. The biofuel production from lignocelluloses biomass by fungal consortium is cost-effective and eco-friendly process. Lignocellulosic plant sources consist of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose in various proportions. The hydrolysis of these polymeric components by fungal enzymes is a promising green approach. The development of fungal consortium and selection of microbial strains are a concern in this process. The fungal consortium composed of complex and diversified strains include cellulase, laccase, and xylanase enzyme-producing fungal strains along with ethanol-producing strains. Potential degradation of whole lignocellulosic substrates is possible by white-rot fungi. White-rot fungi is ubiquitous in nature; various strains including Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Trametes versicolor, Pleurotus ostreatus, Cyathus stercoreus, etc. are significant strains for lignin degradation. Several advantages were reported by fungal consortium for biofuel (ethanol) production with high productivity and sustainable approach for solid waste management by green technology.