Chapter 2 - Genetic and metabolic engineering approaches for improving accessibilities of lignocellulosic biomass toward biofuels generations

Abstract

Lignocellulosic biomass utilization is a burning issue at present. Physicochemical composition of lignocellulosic biomass is highly complex. This phenomenon restricts its recycling toward biofuel generations. Diverse treatments have been applied to accelerate the lignocellulosic biomass breakdown. However, not any single approach is effective. Hence, the industry is looking forward to having sustainable microbial platforms that can ameliorate the lignocellulosic biomass accessibility. Therefore, a paradigm shift is expected to develop an efficient microbial cell factory generation that can degrade lignocellulosic biomass devoid of toxic intermediates. Genetic engineering, metabolic engineering, and biology approach could be able to fasten the process to achieve this goal by enhancing enzymatic activity, increasing substrate (cellulose, cellobiose, lignin, pectin, etc.) affinity, and finding novel enzymes; design novel metabolic pathways; and knock-out competing pathway to reduce toxic intermediate accumulations. Hence, the current book chapter summarizes promising genetic and metabolic engineering avenues to enhance lignocellulosic biomass degradation to improve its accessibility for biofuel generations.