Genetically Modified Microbes for Second-Generation Bioethanol Production

Abstract

The present world economy is highly dependent on the stocked natural resources of the Earth, which are being used for the production of fuel, electricity, and other needs. The very high level of fossil fuel consumption has generated a high level of pollutants in the atmosphere, with the scenario being worse in urban areas. Because the level of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere has drastically increased, bioethanol has received worldwide interest. Bioethanol is a major second-generation biofuel. The global market for bioethanol has entered a phase of rapid, transitional growth. Many countries around the world are shifting their focus toward renewable sources for power production because of depleted crude oil reserves. The trend is extending to transport fuel as well. Most of the environmentally aware countries across the globe consider biomass for its economic utilization, and have directed state policies regarding the same, to meet future energy demands and also to meet carbon dioxide reduction targets. The primary focus is on reducing the emissions and thereby complying with the Kyoto Protocol for specified targets and also meeting energy demands. As well as the production of bioethanol, lignocellulosic biomass is also used in the production of both power and heat through combustion. Petroleum-based fuels can be replaced by bioethanol and other biofuels if biomass materials such as sugarcane bagasse, corn stover, switchgrass, and algae are effectively utilized. As a matter of fact, lignocellulosic biomass is the most abundant biomass present on the surface of the Earth. Among biomass sources, agricultural wastes are the most plentiful and cheapest, especially wheat straw, which is the most plentiful in Europe and is second worldwide after rice straw. As well as wheat, several other crops produce plentiful waste such as corn stover, sugarcane bagasse, and rice straw.