Chapter 12 - Protein engineering approaches for lignocellulosic ethanol biorefinery

Abstract

Protein engineering helps in the synthesis of novel valorized compounds as well as increasing the production of already existing metabolites in the biomass. Although widely employed for enhancement of catalytic activity of the single enzyme, the use of protein engineering in biochemical pathways has gained attention in recent times. This chapter discusses the types and characteristics of different lignocellulosic feedstocks including agricultural residues, forest residues, industrial residues, and waste from sugar-based crops in the light of protein engineering applications. Especially, the protein engineering strategies employed in lignocellulosic-based ethanol production, waste valorization, and feedstock pretreatment are highlighted. Moreover, the recent bioinformatics tools used in protein engineering in relation to biovalorization are presented. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the future potentialities of protein engineering in biovalorization for the improvement of the bio-based economy.