Industrial Technologies for Bioethanol Production from Lignocellulosic Biomass

Abstract

Research and development in recent years have led to the sustainable production of biofuels and have aimed toward reduction in greenhouse gas production. Lignocellulosic waste has been the most abundant agricultural residue for the production of second-generation bioethanol. Fermentable sugars residing in lignocellulosic wastes and energy crops have been one of the important sources for producing gallons of fuel-grade ethanol per year across the world. It comprises different physical, chemical, and biological processes for pretreatment of various lignocellulosic biomasses aiming at removal of lignin and conversion of cellulose and hemicellulose into reducing sugars for the production of bioethanol or other value-added products. Bioconversion technologies exploit the use of microbial enzymes in large scale ensuring eco-friendly and cost-effective production of biofuel. A great deal of research has been directed in this field in order to improve the overall process economics of pretreatment and fermentation technologies for conversion of lignocellulosic biomass in bioethanol. This would address one of the greatest problems of this century by meeting the growing energy demand without posing threat to the environment. Recent trend has been converting waste to wealth, hence, production of bioethanol from waste residues would also add to the mission of “Swachh Bharat.”