Chapter 17 - Production of Celluloytic Enzymes for Lignocellulosic Biomass Hydrolysis

Abstract

It is envisaged that the utilization of lignocellulosic biomass for ethanol production for transport sector would make cellulases the most demanded industrial enzyme, however, current applications of cellulases in industries such as food, textile, and detergent itself generate millions of dollars’ worth of economy. The greatest potential of cellulolytic enzymes lies in ethanol production from biomass by enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose but low titer cellulase production resulting into high cost of the enzyme is the major setback. A number of research groups are working on improving the cellulase production technologies as well as to improve their properties so as to increase the efficiency of cellulose hydrolysis of available cellulases by applying various biotechnological tools, and also to screen more potent cellulases, other than the available ones. The technologies developed from lignocellulosic biomass via cellulase hydrolysis promises environmental and economical sustainability in the long run along with nondependence on nonrenewable energy source. This chapter deals with the recent developments taken place in the area of cellulase production technologies, its commercial status, and major challenges in its application for biomass conversion and also, alternative strategies to overcome those challenges.